Veteran nuclear scientist Pervez Butt passes away

.

ISLAMABAD:

Former Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) chairman Pervez Butt, a recipient of the Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Hilal-i-Imtiaz and Sitara-i-Imtiaz, passed away on Sunday at the age of 84, the commission announced.

In a statement, the PAEC described Butt as one of the founding members of Pakistan's strategic and nuclear programme and a distinguished mechanical engineer, scientist and administrator who devoted more than four decades of his life to advancing the country's nuclear science, technology and strategic capabilities.

Butt joined the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission in May 1963 and served the organisation with distinction for more than 43 years. During his career, he held several key scientific, engineering and administrative positions and played a leading role in the development of Pakistan's indigenous nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear power programme, engineering capabilities and strategic infrastructure.

The commission said his contributions also promoted the peaceful application of nuclear technology in healthcare, agriculture, industry, research and education, while strengthening the country's strategic and technological self-reliance.

In recognition of his leadership and professional achievements, Butt was appointed chairman of the PAEC in 2001 and served until his retirement in 2006, overseeing the continued expansion of Pakistan's nuclear science and technology programmes.

Following his retirement, he served as federal secretary for the Ministry of Science and Technology from 2006 to 2008 and later as adviser on nuclear energy to the Planning Commission until 2013. In recognition of his services, Butt was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 1998, the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 1999 and the Nishan-i-Imtiaz in 2015.