KARACHI: Renowned nuclear physicist Dr Ishfaq Ahmad passed away in Islamabad on Thursday, according to PTV. He was 87.

He was seriously ill and had been hospitalised for the past few weeks.

Dr Ahmad served as the chairperson of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission from 1991 to 2001 — the tenure during which Pakistan conducted its nuclear test in 1998.

He also worked as adviser to the prime minister for strategic and scientific programmes.

In recognition of his services in the field of nuclear physics, Dr Ahmad was awarded three of the highest civil awards of Pakistan — Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Hilal-i-Imtiaz and Nishan-i-Imtiaz.

His endeavours led to the creation of Global Change Impact Studies Centre in Islamabad where research on climate change is undertaken.

According to APP news agency, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed sorrow over Dr Ahmad’s death.

The prime minister paid tribute to Dr Ahmad for his services for the country.

According to PTV, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal also offered condolences over Dr Ahmad’s death.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2018