PAEC Pays Tribute to Former Chairman Parvez Butt, Hailing Him as Pioneer of Nuclear Safety and Unsung Hero of Chagai

Staff Report  

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) paid rich tribute to former Chairman Engr. Parvez Butt, NI, HI, SI, at a memorial reference in Islamabad, remembering him as a visionary engineer, technologist and key contributor to Pakistan’s nuclear programme and strategic capabilities.

PAEC Chairman Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar described Butt as a pioneer of operational integrity who laid the foundations of the Commission’s nuclear safety culture and played a significant role in the “Road to Chagai.”

Chairman PAEC highlighted his valuable services to the Commission and the country. Dr. Anwar said that the late Engr. Parvez Butt was an enormous technologist, engineer and visionary leader. He laid the foundations of the safety culture at PAEC in the use of nuclear technology by establishing the Directorate of Safety (DOS) in 2002. He could, therefore, rightly be termed a pioneer of operational integrity at nuclear facilities. He also possessed exceptional negotiation skills.

Dr. Anwar further said that Engr. Parvez Butt was like a banyan tree whose shade proved a blessing for the nation, as he was among the unsung heroes of the “Road to Chaghai”. The fruits of his vision are visible today in the form of initiatives he conceived and founded, including PAEC General Hospital and PAEC Foundation, as well as the establishment of SES and other engineering setups that helped the country achieve the ultimate glory.

Members of the Commission, the Secretary, senior officials, former colleagues and associates of Engr. Parvez Butt, members of his family, and other distinguished guests attended the memorial reference.

The ceremony brought together former colleagues and senior officials who shared their memories and reflections on Engr. Parvez Butt’s distinguished professional career and his contributions to the national nuclear programme.

Niamat Ali Javed, former General Manager, KCP-I; Dr. Inam ur Rehman, Scientist Emeritus; Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, former Member (Admin & BS); Mr. Aslam Umer, former Member (Engineering); and Mr. Zia ul Hassan Siddiqui, former Member (Power), spoke about their association with Engr. Parvez Butt and paid rich tribute to his professional commitment, leadership and service to the country.

On the occasion, Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi, Member (Science), PAEC, presented a poetic tribute to the late Engr. Parvez Butt. Muhammad Naeem, former Chairman, PAEC; Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, a legendary figure in the history of PAEC; and Maj. Gen. Shehryar Parvez Butt, DG (PDS), SPD, the distinguished son of the deceased, also shared their thoughts and recalled different aspects of the former Chairman’s professional life, leadership and enduring contributions to Pakistan’s strategic and nuclear capabilities.

Earlier, a documentary titled “In the Loving Memory of a Man Who Lived for Pakistan,” produced by the Public Relations Directorate, PAEC, was screened. The documentary portrayed the life and career of Engr. Parvez Butt, highlighting his professional journey, achievements, service to the nation and dedication to Pakistan.

The speakers remembered Engr. Parvez Butt as a dedicated and accomplished professional who devoted his expertise and leadership to the service of the country. They highlighted his role in the development and strengthening of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and acknowledged the lasting legacy of his contributions.

The memorial reference provided an opportunity for colleagues, friends and family members to remember Engr. Parvez Butt and celebrate his life, achievements and enduring contribution to Pakistan.