As Dr A.Q. Khan undergoes surgery for cancer, Pakistan comes out in his supportIt's Saturday, September 9, and people are thronging outside the posh Agha Khan hospital in Karachi. Inside the hospital's operation theatre is Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan—father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb and the symbol of the nation's military prowess and pride—being operated upon for prostate cancer. Bouquets of flowers keep pouring in, as do messages from concerned citizens. There are people holding banners and placards reading: Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan get well soon. The entire nation is praying for Dr Qadeer's early recovery. Honour of the nation—get well soon.
Among the throng are politicians patiently waiting to hear the latest health bulletin on Khan. Former PM Benazir Bhutto has announced her presence through flowers. Hundreds participate in the prayers that Jamaat-e-Islami senior leader Prof Ghafoor Ahmed leads, wishing for the controversial scientist's speedy recovery. Prof Ahmed said, "The government should lift restrictions on Qadeer Khan. A.Q. Khan is the benefactor of not only Pakistan, but the entire Muslim world."