PML-N's Sana says AQ Khan 'not a hero'

He states Dr Khan deserves credit for his role as a scientist but "he is not a leader"

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Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has sparked a controversy by refusing to acknowledge Pakistan nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan as a "hero".

Speaking to a private news channel on Saturday, Sanaullah said Dr Khan cannot be called a hero.

"A hero is the one who carried out the nuclear tests [former prime minister Nawaz Sharif] and made Pakistan a nuclear power. Process was initiated by former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto," he said.

He stated that Dr Khan deserves credit for his role as a scientist, and that credit is given to him, but "he is not a leader."

"Many countries have built nuclear bombs, but few have actually conducted nuclear tests. Here, people out of jealousy and malice claim that Nawaz Sharif did not want to carry out the tests.

"But let me remind you, Nawaz Sharif was the prime minister at the time, and he was the one who ordered the nuclear tests," he added.

The senior politician added that the establishment's position is clear and that Field Marshal Asim Munir has a clear and thoughtful stance that political negotiations should take place between political parties. "He is not an obstacle to talks [with PTI founder Imran Khan]. In fact, he would welcome them," he said.

The advisor said instead of seeking dialogue with the establishment, Imran Khan should send a message for talks to PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari.

"Imran Khan blames us for everything, and at the same time claims we have no authority. The authority lies with the government, and the former prime minister will have to talk to the government," he said.

Sanaullah remarked that Imran Khan's political philosophy is to return to power with the establishment's support and then to start issuing threats to other politicians. "Because of this political philosophy, Imran Khan has moved far away from success," he said.