A Betrayed Lover Saved Pakistan's Nuclear Programme in 1978

Waseem Rahim Khan May 29, 2009

Pakistan's nuclear capabilty credit is shared by a lot people but a few un heard heroes also share their part in making Pakistan a nuclear power. The former ISI director general, Brigadier Imtiaz, famous for Operation Mid Night Jackal has revealed such a story from the history.

It goes that a jilted lover played her role in securing Pakistan’s nuclear programme from a group of spies three-decade back. This female lover felt betrayed by a nuclear male scientist, Rafiq Mushi, who was working in Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) at that time.

The memon community lady, a lecturer by profession was then under treatment for her psychiatric disorder revealed little bit of secret information to her doctor. The doctor taking up her responsibility contacted the then ISI Sindh head Brigadier Imtiaz Ahmed who investigated the matter immediately for its authenticity.

"While many people take credit for saving our nuclear programme, no one actually knows how an unsung jilted girl had actually ended up saving Pakistan’s nuclear project out of sheer vengeance," Mr Ahmed, who broke his silence of over 30 years, was quoted as saying by the Pakistani daily.

The main accused Rafiq Munshi and his accomplices got arrested after substantial evidences were found against them. Rafiq Musnhi's visit to a super power's high commission was also noted repeatedly during further investigation. This led to the arrest of Pakistani scientists who were later given death and life imprisonment sentences by the special tribunal set up by the then President General Ziaul Haq.

When Pakistan celebrated its anniversary of its nuclear explosions on 28th May its a must to remember such a sacrifice which helped Pakistan reach its destination to become the first Islamic nuclear power of the world.