Abdul Qadeer Khan was born on April 1, 1936, in Bhopal, India. He moved to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947. Khan showed an early interest in science and went on to pursue a degree in physics from the University of Karachi. He then traveled to Europe to continue his studies, earning a Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium.
Upon returning to Pakistan, Khan joined the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in 1972. He quickly became involved in the country's nuclear program and was instrumental in the establishment of the Kahuta Research Laboratories in 1976. Khan served as the director general of the laboratory until 2001. Under his leadership, Pakistan successfully conducted its first nuclear tests in 1998, solidifying its status as a nuclear-armed nation.
In addition to his work on nuclear weapons development, Khan made significant contributions to the field of molecular morphology. He published numerous research papers on the subject and was recognized internationally for his contributions to the field.
In 2004, Khan was put under house arrest after admitting to transferring nuclear technology to North Korea, Iran, and Libya. He was accused of treason and faced heavy criticism for his actions. However, he was eventually pardoned by President Pervez Musharraf, who cited his contributions to Pakistan's nuclear program.
Abdul Qadeer Khan married Henny Qadeer in 1964, and the couple had two children together. Despite the controversy surrounding his career, Khan remained devoted to his family and continued to support them throughout his life.
Abdul Qadeer Khan will be remembered as a highly controversial figure in the world of nuclear science. While his contributions to Pakistan's nuclear program were significant, his actions in transferring nuclear technology to other countries have sparked debate and criticism. Khan's legacy serves as a reminder of the ethical complexities surrounding scientific research and the consequences of crossing moral boundaries in pursuit of scientific advancement.