KARACHI: Twenty-years struggle by Professor Muhammad Quadir Hussain, unsung Hero of ‘Youm-e-Takbeer’ and inventor of centrifuge process to produce pure uranium-235 for use in atomic weapons and winning his patent registered in USA took many interesting turns in Pakistan.

  For example; on October 26, 1978, Military Secretary to President, Brigadier Zafar Ali addressed letter to Chairman, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Islamabad that President has been pleased to direct that proposals made in Paper by Muhammad Quadir Hussain be urgently examined and recommendations submitted to President. Subject of Paper was “Original experiment and theoretical research regarding development of an economical and unique method for separation of Uranium-235 from natural uranium.” 

However, his efforts did not materialise due to negative attitude by concerned bureaucrats and he was compelled to knock court doors. On May 12, 1988, IInd Additional District Judge, East Karachi Qaiser Iqbal issued an order on Suits No.4 of 1985 and No.76 of 1984 filed by Professor Muhammad Quadir Hussain against Ministry of Industries, Controller of Patents and Designs and Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Islamabad.  Court order said: It is prayed on behalf of plaintiff that Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission has failed to make discovery of documents on oath therefore, defence is liable to be struck off in position as if, suit is not been defended by them. Rule contemplates two steps for striking out defence of defendant. Firstly, an application under order XI rules 12 or 18 C.P.C. secondly upon failure to comply therewith further order for dismissing suit and striking out defence.  In this case defendant after granted extension of time by court submitted on November 7, 1987 that Head Office of defendant is situated in Islamabad and an officer from head Quarter was required to come to Karachi for swearing affidavit. Application was allowed. Later, learned counsel for defendant contended that office of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission is situated in Kahuta and matter pertain to process of formation Atom Bomb, therefore, it is matter of national interest as, it relates to separation of Uranium isotopes.

It is asserted that plaintiff is interested in inspecting documents which have no connection with proceeding. He had annexed most of documents along with plaint which are basis of his case and it will be premature to order inspection of documents.  It is discretion of court to order for inspection of documents and in special circumstances of case pertaining to national interest, I am of view that it will not be proper to exercise discretion in favour of plaintiff. In above circumstances both applications are dismissed with no order as to costs, Judge Qaiser Iqbal concluded.