Speakers pay tribute to PAEC’s former Chairman Parvez Butt, call him ‘Silent Hero’ of Pakistan’s nuclear programme

ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP): Speakers at a special memorial reference for the late former Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Parvez Butt on Thursday paid rich tribute to his pivotal contribution to Pakistan’s nuclear programme, describing him as a “Silent Hero.”

Parvez Butt, who passed away last week, was remembered by a distinguished gathering of family members, friends, colleagues, and admirers at the memorial reference held in the federal capital. The event was organised by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed.

Besides the family of Parvez Butt, the event was attended by former Directors General of the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), which oversaw Pakistan’s nuclear programme, as well as a large number of engineers, scientists, technicians from PAEC, and people from various walks of life.

In his keynote address, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed described Parvez Butt as a dedicated and highly competent professional who remained committed to Pakistan’s nuclear programme throughout his life.

He said Butt was a “Silent Hero” of Pakistan’s nuclear project because he never sought publicity or self-promotion and remained focused on his professional responsibilities.

Senator Mushahid Hussain said there were five key builders of Pakistan’s nuclear programme whose outstanding contributions made it possible for the country to become a nuclear power.

He said five leading scientists played a pivotal role in ensuring the uninterrupted implementation of decisions related to the nuclear project, including former PAEC chairmen Parvez Butt and Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed. He noted that both were members of the team that selected the Chaghi nuclear test site in 1979.

During his speech, Senator Mushahid Hussain also shared several interesting anecdotes. He referred to remarks made by India’s former National Security Advisor, Shiv Shankar Menon, in a speech in New Delhi on August 31, 2012. According to Senator Mushahid, Menon had acknowledged that “on at least three occasions before 1998,” the nuclear factor influenced Indian policy. Senator Mushahid said this demonstrated how Pakistan’s nuclear capability had deterred Indian plans for aggression.

PAEC Chairman Dr. Raza Ali Anwar praised Parvez Butt as a mentor to generations of nuclear scientists and engineers. He described him as a true role model and a leader who led by example.

Veteran journalist and anchorperson Hamid Mir said Parvez Butt had rightly been honoured because he and his colleagues devoted their lives to strengthening Pakistan’s security. He said their contributions would always be remembered by the people of Pakistan.

Parvez Butt’s daughter, Dr. Shazdeh Butt, fondly remembered her father as an exemplary father, husband, and grandfather. She said he never allowed his demanding professional responsibilities to interfere with his family life and remained equally devoted to both his family and his profession.

The memorial reference was chaired by Dr. Akram Sheikh, a longtime friend of Parvez Butt, who praised his professionalism, competence, and unwavering commitment to developing Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent.

Describing him as “a gem of a person,” Dr. Sheikh said Pakistan owed a great deal to dedicated professionals like Parvez Butt.

The memorial reference concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Senator Sitara Ayaz, Secretary International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC).