Ever since it became known in the mid-eighties that my colleagues and I had successfully produced nuclear weapons, many pseudo-experts tried to claim credit and tarnish my name. When a religious scholar and dear friend drew my attention to this, I could only raise my hands and say: “O Allah! You have been kind enough not to give me the status of an angel or a saint.

People take me for what I am, an ordinary human being, whom they can abuse and accuse of anything.” The friend replied: “Alhamdulillah! No doubt Allah chose you to accomplish this most important task for the country and for your humbleness.” I never thought of myself as a special person, but only tried to serve my country.

As far as my claimed incompetence, ignorance, etc., is concerned, I would request my critics to read the opinion of Mr Ghulam Ishaq Khan (who was in charge of our nuclear programme for 17 years), Mr Agha Shahi, Gen Arif, Gen Mirza Aslam Beg, Gen Wahid Kakar, etc., who were all closely associated with our nuclear and missile programmes. It was the most productive and rewarding period of my life and I live with a clear conscience because I have given my utmost in the service of the country.

A few days ago Mr Haroon-ur-Rashid wrote a column full of blatant lies about me. Initially I simply wanted to ignore it but I have since received many phone calls, SMS messages and emails requesting me to respond.

I only met Mr Haroon once when he accompanied my dear friend and great scholar, Prof Dr Mohammad Al-Ghazali, to our house for tea. We did not discuss any political or nuclear matters. Immediately after Mr Haroon’s claim that I had begged to join the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) and had been rejected by Imran Khan and his colleagues, I received a phone call from my dear respected friend and noted journalist, Mr Mujib-ur-Rahman Shami. He found it highly objectionable and requested me to clarify my position by phone in his talk show. I told him that Imran Khan and his colleagues had requested me to join their party but that I had politely regretted on the grounds that I was a politically non-controversial figure loved by many.

Upon joining any particular party I would have 20 percent of people as friends and turn 80 percent into enemies – not a good deal. I have nothing personal against Imran Khan. People are pinning great hopes on him for a much-needed change. When someone phoned me recently to ask my views about his large rally in Lahore, I simply pointed out that he needs a good team to bring about a revolution and so far he has none to do so. It was in no way meant to insult or demean him. The insinuations and innuendoes introduced by Haroon Rashid are rather degrading.

My statement to Mr Shami was confirmed in the same talk show by former air force officers Mr Suhaib and Mr Bokhari, who had come to see me to arrange a meeting with Imran Khan and his colleagues. Later they informed me that the meeting would be delayed by two hours. That time was inconvenient for me, so I requested they arrange some other time.

In his column Mr Haroon mentions the Quran and Sunnah. He should then also know that in Surah Hujuraat, Ayat 12, the Almighty has said: “O believers! Avoid being excessively suspicious, for some suspicion is sin. Do not spy, nor backbite against one another.”

And in Surah Imran, Ayat 61, Allah has cursed liars. Mr Haroon also seems to be oblivious to the sayings of our Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) against false accusations, backbiting, hypocrisy and creation of misunderstandings.

Had Mr Haroon taken the trouble of calling me to check up on facts, he would not have tarnished his reputation as a journalist. After Mr Ali Masood Syed’s reply to Mr Irfan Siddiqui’s column, there followed a virtual downpour of messages, emails and phone calls, and I therefore had to shed light on the matter. When Mr Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry of the Lahore High Court removed the illegal restrictions imposed on me by Gen Musharraf, friends and well-wishers came to congratulate me. Amongst the many who came were Mr Imran Khan, accompanied by well-known scholar Dr Shirin Mazari and Dr Arif Alvi, an old family friend. They asked me to join their party. I expressed my regret, saying that I did not want to take part in politics but was always available for suggestions.

I have always admired Imran Khan as he brought laurels to Pakistan by winning the Cricket World Cup in March 1992. He is sincere and well-meaning. Many other political leaders contacted me too at the time, but my response was always the same. Why should I play with the love and affection of so many for the sake of some political benefit?

Mr Rashid Khan, a colleague of Imran Khan, phoned me a few times and my dear friend and respected and noted journalist Mr Ghulam Akbar personally came to seek my cooperation for the PTI. Upon hearing my comments on the need for a good team, he fully endorsed my views and said that this was indeed a most urgent requirement.

It is most unfortunate that Mr Haroon did not ask me for my own views. He should now read the recent commentaries by Ms Sana Bucha, Mr Ghazi Salahuddin and Dr Farrukh Saleem in The News, and by Ali Masood in Jang. I had simply given my personal honest opinion – no more, no less.

Mr Haroon also accused me of thinking only of myself and not acknowledging the achievements of others. If this is so, then I can only pray to the Almighty to purify me from this curse. I try to be a humble person. He has also advised me to stay in my own field. A legitimate advice, but then he should practice what he preaches. He also complained that I was used to grandiose dreams.

Well, I dreamed only of what was achievable. The whole world is witness to that. Let us see which of his dreams come true.

I would like to emphasise here that I don’t hesitate to say what I think, and I call a spade a spade. I would prefer to play my political or national role on my own. I am not interested in joining any political party and if someone would like to utilise my professional or educational experience, I won’t hesitate to give them my suggestions, but I won’t volunteer anything.