By Engineer Arshad H Abbasi

Pakistan has lost one of the true giants and architects of its nuclear age with the passing of Dr. Pervez Butt on July 26, 2026. Decorated with the nation’s highest civilian honors—Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, and Sitara-i-Imtiaz—Dr. Butt was a visionary engineer, distinguished public servant, and formidable former Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
His towering legacy spans the foundations of KANUPP-I, the expansion of the Chashma nuclear power complex, and decades of quiet, steadfast service to the country’s National Command Authority.

Yet beyond his monumental contributions to history books, his true greatness lay in his generosity as a teacher. Far removed from the rigid austerity of officialdom, Dr. Butt possessed a rare ability to demystify the complex economics of nuclear power generation—effortlessly turning dry calculations of tariffs, fuel costs, and capital recovery into engaging, unforgettable masterclasses.

He was a mentor of extraordinary warmth, grace, and humility. Whether pouring a perfect coffee, sharing a working lunch over Lahori chanay, or walking through his orchard to gently correct and reinforce a concept, he gave his time, undivided attention, and vast wisdom without measure.
Dr. Pervez Butt was not just a master builder of nuclear infrastructure; he was a master builder of minds whose profound lessons and towering intellectual legacy will forever stay with those privileged enough to learn from him.

Rest in peace, Sir. Your lessons endure.