ISLAMABAD: The architect of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and renowned scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan was laid to rest at H-8 graveyard, Islamabad on Sunday.

Earlier, his funeral prayers was offered at Faisal mosque, which was attended by Acting President Sadiq Sanjrani, Federal Ministers, parliamentarians, civil and military officers and a large number of general public.

Dr Abdul Qadir was admitted at a local hospital where he passed away this morning after his health deteriorated. He was 85.

Government announces state funeral

In recognition of his outstanding services for the country and the nation, the government announced a state funeral for Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, the national flag of Pakistan shall fly at half-mast on Sunday.

President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have expressed sorrow over the demise of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan.

In their separate messages, they prayed for high ranks of the departed soul and also expressed their condolences with the bereaved family.

The President on his twitter handle said Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan helped to develop the nation-saving nuclear deterrence.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in his tweet message said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was loved by the nation for his critical contribution in making Pakistan a nuclear weapon state. He said this has provided us security against an aggressive and much larger nuclear neighbour.

The Prime Minister said Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was a national icon for the people of Pakistan because of his critical contribution in making Pakistan a nuclear weapon state.

“This has provided us security against an aggressive much larger nuclear neighbor. For the people of Pakistan he was a national icon”, the premier added.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Minister for Defence Pervaiz Khattak, Minister for Planning Asad Umar, Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister of State for Information Farrukh Habib, Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood and others cabinet members and parliamentarians have also expressed grief and sorrow.

Rasheed took to twitter to post an old picture taken with the nuclear scientist, praying for his forgiveness.

"May Allah provide patience to Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan’s relatives and those who are mourning his passing," he added.

Political leaders including PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Awami National Party Asfandyar Wali Khan also expressed grief over the sad demise of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan.

In their separate messages today, they paid rich tribute to the departed soul and acknowledged contributions of the great atomic scientist in making Pakistan's defence impregnable.

President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif wrote on Twitter that the passing of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is a huge loss for the country.