Khalil Qureshi

Khalil Ahmad Qureshi (Urdu: خليل احمد قريشى; HI, SI), is a Pakistani physical chemist and the professor of physical chemistry at the Punjab University. He has published notable papers in nuclear physical chemistry in international scientific journals as well contributing in the advancement of the scientific applications of the civilian usage of the fuel cycle.

Khalil Qureshi
Born
Lahore, Punjab
NationalityPakistani
CitizenshipPakistan
Alma materPunjab University
Imperial College London
Known forWork in physical chemistry, explosive forming, nuclear energy, and Pakistan's nuclear deterrence program.
AwardsHilal-i-Imtiaz (2003)
Sitara-i-Imtiaz (1999)
Scientific career
FieldsPhysical Chemistry
InstitutionsPakistan Atomic Energy Commission
Punjab University
London University
Lahore University of Management Sciences
ThesisPhysico-chemical studies of the vapour deposition of alumina (1972)
Doctoral advisorDavid Craig

Biography

Early life and education

A native of Lahore, Qureshi subsequently attended the Punjab University to study chemistry where he graduated with BSc in chemistry.[1] For his higher studies, he went to United Kingdom to attend Imperial College London.[1] He earned MSc in Chemical Technology and worked towards gaining the DIC in physical metallurgy.[2] At the Imperial College, he joined the doctoral group led by Thomas West and David Craig.[3] He earned his PhD in physical chemistry under the supervision of David Craig, writing his thesis on Physico-chemical studies of the vapour deposition of Al2O3, in 1972.[3]

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission

He briefly taught physical chemistry at the London University before moving to Pakistan. Upon his return, he joined the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and took the professorship of nuclear chemistry at the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH).[4] Subsequently, he joined the clandestine atomic bomb project's chemistry section led by fellow chemist IH Qureshi. Munir Ahmad Khan, chairman PAEC, had him to partially take over the "R-Labs" at PAEC to engage research in chemical explosives. Initially, the research was concentrated towards development of the HMX, a non-toxic explosive that was produced as a by-product of the RDX process.[5] In the 1970s, he founded the Metallurgical Laboratory (Met Lab) where he also moved majority of the staff to undertake research in physical metallurgy.[6]

At the Met Lab, Qureshi led the team of physical chemists who supervised the physical conversion of UF6 into solid metal before coating and machining the metal.[6] During this time, he supervised and led the research on using chemical and metallurgical industrial techniques and reduction furnaces to produce metal from the HEC which moved from KRL.[6] Due to the sensitivity of the project and concerns of fellow theorist AQ Khan, the program was definitely moved to KRL in the 1980s.[6]

Research and science activism

While at PAEC, Qureshi joined the chemistry department of Quaid-e-Azam University as an associate professor. In the 1990s, he joined the Punjab University to teach post-graduate course on physical chemistry. In the 2000s, he joined the Lahore University of Management Sciences's School of Science and Engineering as director of engineering and safety.[2]

Over the years, he became known for his strong scientific advocacy of peaceful usage of nuclear energy, safety, and security, following the Fukushima disaster.[7] A member of Khwarizmi Science Society, he has lectured on safety issues regarded the nuclear power and topics in nuclear chemistry.[8] He has also authored numerous articles on chemical safety and securities around the world in world's leading research journal.[9] In 2011, he lectured on physical chemistry and spoke about how nuclear technology was being used currently and different ways of disposing nuclear waste at the Forman Christian College University in Lahore.[10] He is the recipient of Pakistan's highest honours– the Hilal-i-Imtiaz bestowed in 2003 and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz bestowed in 1999 by the Government of Pakistan.[11]

Honors and recognition

References
  1. "Prof Dr Khalil Qureshi" (microsoft word). Punjab University Press. Punjab University Press. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  2. Editor-in-Chief. "Dr. Khalil Qureshi (H.I., S.I.)". The Khwarizmi Science Society. The Khwarizmi Science Society. Retrieved 14 December 2013. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  3. The Alumni Center (1967). Theses and Dissertations Accepted for Higher Degrees. London: London University Press. p. 45. -DTgAAAAMAAJ.
  4. Khan, Feroz Hassan (7 November 2012). "Production of Uranium Metal". Eating grass the making of the Pakistani bomb. Stanford, California: Stanford Security Studies, an imprint of Stanford University Press. ISBN 978-0804784801.
  5. Khan, Feroz Hassan (7 November 2012). "§Developing the triggering mechanism". Eating grass the making of the Pakistani bomb. Stanford, California: Stanford Security Studies, an imprint of Stanford University Press. ISBN 978-0804784801.
  6. Khan, Feroz Hassan (7 November 2012). "§Production of Uranium Metal". Eating grass the making of the Pakistani bomb. Stanford, California: Stanford Security Studies, an imprint of Stanford University Press. ISBN 978-0804784801.
  7. FCC Communications office. "Benade Physics Society Lecture on Promise of Nuclear Energy". FCC University Press. FCC University Press. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  8. "Lectures on Physical chemistry and nuclear power by KA Qureshi". Prof. Khalil Qureshi at Khwarizmi Science Society. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  9. Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology, Division on Earth and Life Studies - (2010). Promoting Chemical Laboratory Safety and Security in Developing Countries. Washington US: Committee on Promoting Safe and Secure Chemical Management in Developing Countries. ISBN 978-0309161350.
  10. Staff (13 January 2011). "Benade Physics Society Lecture on Promise of Nuclear Energy". FCCU Communications Office –. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  11. Staff (13 August 2013). "Awards for civilians announced". Dawn news (2003). Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  • Harnessing Nuclear Energy
  • Khan, Feroze Hassan (2012), Eating grass the making of the Pakistan atomic bomb, Stanford, California: Stanford Security Studies, an imprint of Stanford University Press, ISBN 978-0804784801
  • Rehman, Shahid ur (1999), "§Directorate Chemical X", Long Road to Chagai, Islamabad: Printwise Publications, ISBN 9698500006
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