Hoodbhoy reflects on AQ Khan’s nuclear role, Malala’s rise, and AI’s impact on education

Eminent physicist Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy has weighed in on Pakistan’s nuclear history, Malala Yousafzai’s global recognition, the impact of artificial intelligence in education, and the political legacy of former prime minister Imran Khan.

Speaking on Kamran Khan’s podcast, Hoodbhoy challenged the common perception that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was the primary architect of Pakistan’s nuclear program.

“A.Q. Khan’s role in the nuclear program was only about 10%,” Hoodbhoy claimed. “The fundamental work for the nuclear tests was done by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), not Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) or Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.”

He further stated that A.Q. Khan, while significant in uranium enrichment, was not a nuclear scientist but rather a metallurgist with experience in the Netherlands and Belgium. The nuclear effort, he noted, was marred by factional rivalries, particularly between Khan’s group and figures like Dr Samar Mubarakmand and Munir Ahmad.

Malala: Victim or fame-seeker?

Addressing Malala Yousafzai’s global stature, Hoodbhoy acknowledged the criticism she faces in Pakistan.

“There were people who accused Malala of orchestrating the attack on herself just to gain fame,” he said. “But at that time, she was just a girl who wanted to study.”

While crediting Malala’s resilience, Hoodbhoy suggested that she is now actively pursuing global recognition. “It’s natural that when someone gains fame, they change to some extent. But we must value her advocacy—she has a powerful message about girls’ education.”

He added that Malala’s stance directly contradicts Taliban ideology. “Her argument that girls deserve the same right to education as boys is fundamentally opposed to extremist thinking.”

Imran Khan’s ‘harmful’ education policies

Discussing Imran Khan’s tenure, Hoodbhoy expressed strong disapproval of the former prime minister’s approach to education.

“If Imran Khan had limited himself to politics and social work, he would have been my hero too,” he remarked. “But his government imposed a single national curriculum that pushed Pakistan’s education system backward by decades.”

He argued that the curriculum change primarily affected lower-income students, leaving elite English-medium institutions untouched. “This was a system meant to keep the poor intellectually stunted while the privileged continued to advance.”

Hoodbhoy was also critical of Khan’s governance style, claiming that his promises—including the pledge to abolish VIP culture—were never fulfilled.

AI in education: A double-edged sword

On the subject of artificial intelligence, Hoodbhoy warned of its misuse in education.

“AI is making cheating easier—students can have entire assignments written for them,” he said. “It provides instant answers but can kill curiosity.”

However, he also acknowledged AI’s potential. “If used correctly, AI can personalize education and enhance learning. But those who misuse it will fall behind.”

He emphasized that AI’s benefits are only accessible to those with a strong foundational education. “To truly benefit from AI, one must first be well-read and have command over language—especially English.”