Why Dr AQ Khan still matters

This nation dearly misses you, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. You are remembered with deep respect and gratitude for gifting Pakistan the nuclear capability that has enabled the country to stand firm in its strategic defence. Your true worth was once again realised when India reacted like a raging elephant after the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22 April, hastily accusing Pakistan without presenting any credible evidence.

India launched an irresponsible and disproportionate response under a self-declared operation misleadingly named — Sindoor — after a false-flag activity. Civilian areas were targeted through air strikes conducted with drones and fighter jets. Pakistan's government and armed forces exercised the right to self-defence with remarkable professionalism and restraint.

In response, the Pakistan Air Force not only defended our airspace but also humbled Indian military arrogance. The so-called superior Rafael jets failed to make an impact, while Pakistan's air defence successfully brought down three aircraft, including a MiG-21, and challenged the capabilities of the Su-30s. This defeat led to a sarcastic reinterpretation of Rafale in India — RAW Fail.

India was taken aback by Pakistan's measured yet precise retaliation, which directly hit Indian military installations and air defence targets. The professionalism and precision of the PAF silenced the aggressive posturing of the Indian military, often dubbed the "mad elephant". The United States had to intervene to de-escalate the skirmishes, which were dangerously close to triggering a nuclear confrontation in South Asia.

It is because of Dr AQ Khan's contributions that Pakistan today possesses a credible deterrent. His work has empowered the nation to stand tall in the face of external threats and deter aggression through strength. Though Pakistan may not match India in economic size, conventional military strength or war equipment on paper, it remains resolute and capable of defending its sovereignty under any circumstance.

All honour and tribute go to Dr AQ Khan — the man who gave Pakistan the power to respond to threats on an equal footing.

Let us now compare Pakistan and India in terms of military capability across the three branches — Army, Navy and Air Force — and evaluate their strengths in terms of war equipment and strategic positioning.

India stands as the fourth-strongest military power in the world, while Pakistan is ranked 12th. India's total military strength is said to be nearly three times more than Pakistan's. It also possesses much more military arsenal than Pakistan does.

Silencing the guns of a hegemonic India became possible when Pakistan declared itself a nuclear power capable of retaliation. This strategic milestone was achieved on 28 May 1998, when Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in the hills of Chagai — a moment now commemorated as Youm-e-Takbeer.

At the heart of this historic moment was the unparalleled contribution of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan — the father of Pakistan's nuclear programme. A metallurgist with rare expertise, Dr AQ Khan had a singular mission: to make his homeland invincible. His relentless efforts transformed Pakistan from a security-dependent nation into a nuclear power with credible deterrence.

The genesis of this nuclear journey lies in the painful memory of the 1971 war and the dismemberment of the country. It is no coincidence that then Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto — who famously stated, "we will eat grass, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own [nuclear bomb]" — laid the foundation of Pakistan's nuclear ambition.

The humiliation of 1971 was a turning point. Pakistan realised that conventional military parity with India would never be enough. Nuclear deterrence was no longer a choice — it had become a strategic necessity.

Today, we must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to honour the sacrifices and genius that made this feat possible? Are we investing in science and technology beyond military applications? Are we preserving our national dignity not only through strength but also through progress?

And in the end, we must not forget Dr AQ Khan's heartfelt words: "My biggest regret is working for this nation."