Nawaz Sharif Claims Credit for Nuclear Milestone, Downplays Role of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan

London (News Desk) – Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif has reignited debate over the country’s nuclear legacy by asserting that his party was solely responsible for making Pakistan a nuclear power and for jointly developing the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet with China.

Speaking to the media in London, Nawaz highlighted PML-N’s role in major national achievements, including the introduction of missile technology and the economic stability during his previous tenure, claiming a near 7% growth rate and a stable Pakistani rupee. He added that “people vote for work; there should be work alongside politics,” pointing to what he said was steady progress under PML-N leadership.

The comments came days after the government’s muted recognition of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan during the Youm-e-Takbeer celebrations on May 28. Responding to criticism over the omission, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah stated in an interview that while Dr Khan is respected for his scientific contributions, he should not be considered a national hero. He credited Nawaz Sharif with making the crucial decision to conduct nuclear tests in 1998 and acknowledged the foundational role played by former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

However, Dr Khan’s widow, Hendrina Khan, spoke out against what she described as the state’s betrayal. She revealed that her husband had agreed to take the blame for the nuclear proliferation scandal under assurances from then-President Pervez Musharraf—promises she said were later broken.

Read more: Nawaz Sharif flies to London to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with family

Nawaz Sharif’s remarks also came in the context of a recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on May 10 with U.S. President Donald Trump’s mediation, following a period of heightened military tensions.

Nawaz arrived in London on June 1 via a special aircraft for a routine medical check-up. He landed at Luton Airport, where he was received by officials from the Pakistan High Commission and senior PML-N leaders including Ahsan Dar, Rashid Hashmi, and Khurram Butt. He is expected to spend Eid ul Adha in the UK during his stay.