Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, born in 1940, is a Pakistani nuclear engineer, Islamic scholar, and controversial figure known for his involvement in pseudoscience. Mahmood gained prominence as a nuclear engineer within the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and contributed to Islamic studies. He faced a criminal investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for unauthorized travel in Afghanistan before the September 11 attacks in 2001. Founding the Ummah Tameer-e-Nau (UTN) in 1999, Mahmood’s organization was banned and sanctioned by the United States in 2001 due to alleged ties to terrorist activities. He was listed and sanctioned by the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee in December 2001 and designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the United States’ Office of Foreign Assets Control. Cleared by the FIA, Mahmood now resides anonymously in Islamabad, focusing on authoring books regarding the relationship between Islam and science.
Early Life and Family Background
Mahmood was born in Amritsar, Punjab, British India to a Punjabi family. His father, Chaudhry Muhammad Sharif Khan, was a local zamindar (feudal lord). There are conflicting reports regarding Mahmood’s date of birth, with his personal admission citing 1940, while UN reports estimate it as 1938.
Migration to Pakistan
Mahmood’s family emigrated from India to Pakistan following religious violence during the partition of India in 1947. They settled in Lahore, Punjab, where Mahmood spent his formative years.
Education and Early Career
After graduating with distinctions from a local high school, Mahmood was awarded a scholarship to study electrical engineering at Government College University. However, he transferred to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore after one semester, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science with honors in 1960. His academic achievements caught the attention of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), leading to another scholarship opportunity.
Further Studies and Expertise
In 1962, Mahmood went to the University of Manchester to pursue a double master’s degree. He completed a master’s program in control systems in 1965, followed by another master’s degree in nuclear engineering in 1969. During his time in Manchester, Mahmood became an expert on the Manhattan Project and reportedly engaged with South African scientists regarding uranium enrichment methods, specifically the jet-nozzle method. However, the extent of his involvement in these discussions remains unclear.
Career at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission
In 1968, Mahmood joined the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and became a part of the Nuclear Physics Division at the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), working under the guidance of Dr. Naeem Ahmad Khan. His collaboration with prominent figures like Samar Mubarakmand and Hafeez Qureshi proved fruitful, and Mahmood emerged as a vital member of the group until its discontinuation in 1970.
Contributions to Nuclear Engineering
Mahmood’s expertise in civilian reactor technology was notable, and he held a senior engineer position at the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP I), which was Pakistan’s first commercial nuclear power plant. His contributions to the field earned him recognition within the Pakistan Physics Society.
Innovations and Inventions
Mahmood gained further notability for inventing a scientific instrument called the ‘SBM probe.’ This instrument was designed to detect leaks in steam pipes, a critical issue affecting nuclear plants worldwide. The ‘SBM probe’ proved to be a significant innovation and is still utilized globally in nuclear power plants.
Impact of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which resulted in the unconditional surrender of Pakistan, Mahmood attended the winter seminar at Multan. During this seminar, he delivered a speech on atomic science, likely reflecting on the strategic implications of nuclear capabilities in the wake of the conflict.
Initiation of Pakistan's Nuclear Weapon Program
On 20 January 1972, President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto approved a crash atomic weapon program, led by Munir Ahmad Khan, in response to the perceived need for Pakistan’s “national survival.” This decision marked a significant turning point in Pakistan’s nuclear policy, signaling the official commencement of efforts to develop nuclear weapons.
Continued Contributions
Despite the shift towards nuclear weapon development, Mahmood continued his work at the engineering division of KANUPP I. It’s likely that he maintained his focus on nuclear engineering and related technologies, contributing to Pakistan’s broader nuclear program objectives while also fulfilling his responsibilities at the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant.
Appointment as Director of Enrichment Division
In response to India’s surprise nuclear test, known as ‘Smiling Buddha’, conducted in May 1974, Munir Ahmad Khan appointed Mahmood as the director of the enrichment division at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). This division was crucial for advancing Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, particularly in uranium enrichment. Dr. Khalil Qureshi, a physical chemist, primarily handled the calculations for the division under Mahmood’s leadership.
Contributions to Uranium Enrichment Methods
Under Mahmood’s direction, extensive analysis was conducted on various uranium enrichment methods, including gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuge, jet-nozzle, and molecular laser isotope separation. After careful consideration, Mahmood recommended the gas centrifuge method as the most economical option for Pakistan’s enrichment program.
Interview with Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan
In 1974, Mahmood was tasked with interviewing Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan in the Netherlands on behalf of President Bhutto. This meeting aimed to assess Khan’s expertise and potential contributions to Pakistan’s nuclear program.
Conflict with Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan
Mahmood’s appointment as director of the enrichment division and subsequent approval of his proposal for uranium enrichment work led to tensions with Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. Khan, who had aspired for the position himself, resented Mahmood’s appointment and the decision to proceed with Mahmood’s plan. Their relationship became strained, characterized by disagreements and personal animosity.
Removal from Enrichment Division
In 1976, Mahmood was removed from the enrichment division, known as Project-706, by Abdul Qadeer Khan. Khan subsequently moved the division to the Engineering Research Laboratories (ERL) under military control, further exacerbating tensions between the two individuals.
Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood’s tenure as director of the enrichment division at PAEC was marked by significant contributions to Pakistan’s nuclear program. However, his conflicts with Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan highlight the complexities and internal dynamics within Pakistan’s nuclear establishment during that period.
Reassignment to Karachi Nuclear Power Plant and Khushab Reactor Project
Following his removal from classified works by Munir Ahmad, Mahmood was reassigned to the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP-I) as a principal engineer, without any explanation provided. However, in the 1980s, Munir Ahmad secured Mahmood a pivotal role as project manager for the construction of the Khushab Reactor (Khushab-I). In this capacity, Mahmood served as chief engineer and played a significant role in designing the coolant systems for the reactor.
Promotion and Directorship
Mahmood’s contributions to the Khushab Reactor project were evidently recognized, as in 1998, he was promoted to the position of director of the nuclear power division. He held this position until 1999, overseeing various aspects of Pakistan’s nuclear power program.
Acknowledgment and Awards
After the Khushab Reactor went critical in April 1998, Mahmood spoke in an interview about Pakistan’s enhanced nuclear capabilities, including the production of plutonium for weapons. His statements underscored Pakistan’s advancements in nuclear technology. In recognition of his contributions, Mahmood was honored with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz award in 1998, presented in a ceremony by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Continued Role as Director of Nuclear Power Division
Even after receiving the Sitara-e-Imtiaz award, Mahmood continued to serve as the director of the nuclear power division until 1999. During this time, he likely played a key role in shaping Pakistan’s nuclear power policies and strategies.
Shift in Political Stance and Disagreements with Prime Minister Sharif
Despite publicly endorsing Prime Minister Sharif’s decision to conduct the Chagai-I nuclear tests in 1998, Mahmood began to voice opposition to Sharif’s inclination towards signing international treaties such as the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Mahmood’s vocal opposition to these treaties, akin to India’s stance, led to his appearances on news channels and in newspapers where he advocated against Sharif’s potential agreement to sign these treaties. This outspoken opposition eventually led to Mahmood’s forceful transfer to a non-technical position at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
Transition to Writing and Political Involvement
In 1999, Mahmood sought premature retirement from PAEC and redirected his focus towards publishing books and articles, particularly on the relationship between Islam and science. He also founded the Ummah Tameer-e-Nau (UTN), a right-wing organization, through which he became increasingly involved in radical politics. Mahmood’s association with Dr. Israr Ahmed further influenced his political views and philosophy.
Meeting with Al-Qaeda Leaders and Involvement in Afghanistan
In August 2001, Mahmood, along with his colleague Chaudhry Abdul Majeed from UTN, met with Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The purpose of the meeting was reportedly to discuss nuclear weapons, with Mahmood’s involvement suggesting a potential link between UTN and Al-Qaeda’s interests in acquiring nuclear capabilities. This meeting raised concerns internationally, particularly regarding the possibility of terrorist organizations obtaining access to nuclear weapons technology.
Surveillance and Investigation
Beginning in 1999 and continuing into the early 2000s, Pakistan’s intelligence agencies closely monitored Mahmood due to his suspected ties to the Afghan Taliban, indicated by his distinctive bushy beard. Following the September 11 attacks in the United States, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched a criminal investigation against Mahmood, accusing him of unauthorized travel to Afghanistan. Intelligence reports regarding Mahmood’s alleged meeting with Al-Qaeda leaders were described as vague by Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, George Tenet.
Denials and Humanitarian Work
During questioning by Pakistani and American investigators, Mahmood denied any involvement with Al-Qaeda, asserting that his activities with Ummah Tameer-e-Nau (UTN) were solely focused on humanitarian efforts such as food, healthcare, and education. This claim surprised investigators from Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) due to Mahmood’s extensive knowledge of nuclear weapons.
Debriefing and Release
Mahmood’s son, Dr. Asim Mahmood, corroborated his father’s account, stating that Mahmood met Osama bin Laden for humanitarian purposes only. Despite the scrutiny and investigation, the FIA’s criminal probe yielded no conclusive evidence against Mahmood. Pressure from Pakistani society and inquiries by the courts into the FIA’s actions ultimately led to Mahmood’s release in 2001. However, his movements were restricted as his name was placed on the “Exit Control Lists,” prohibiting him from leaving Pakistan.
Quiet Life and Continued Scholarship
Since his release, Mahmood has maintained a low profile, residing in Islamabad and focusing on writing books and conducting research on the intersection of Islam and science. Despite the controversies surrounding him, individuals like Dr. Bashir Syed, former president of the Association of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers of North America (APSENA), have vouched for Mahmood’s integrity and loyalty to Pakistan.
Literary Works and Controversy
Mahmood’s literary endeavors include over fifteen books, with “The Mechanics of Doomsday and Life After Death” standing out as his most notable work. This book offers an analysis of doomsday events, blending scientific theories with Quranic knowledge. However, Mahmood’s scientific arguments and theories have faced criticism from prominent scientists in Pakistan. His religiosity and idiosyncratic beliefs have also caused unease within the Pakistan Physics Society, leading to some peers describing him as “a rather strange man.”
Debate with Pervez Hoodbhoy
In 1988, Mahmood was invited to the University of Islamabad to deliver a lecture on science. During this event, he engaged in a public debate with Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, a renowned Pakistani nuclear physicist. The debate, held in the university’s ‘Physics Hall,’ centered around Mahmood’s book and its scientific claims. Hoodbhoy vehemently criticized Mahmood’s theories and the concept of Islamic science, dismissing them as ludicrous. Mahmood, in turn, protested against what he perceived as misrepresentation of his views, alleging bias and lack of decency from those critical of Islamic perspectives.
Impact and Response
The debate between Mahmood and Hoodbhoy highlights the clash between religious interpretations and scientific inquiry in Pakistan. Mahmood’s insistence on integrating Islamic teachings with scientific discourse has sparked controversy and skepticism among the scientific community. Despite criticism, Mahmood’s works continue to attract attention and scrutiny, contributing to ongoing discussions about the intersection of religion and science in Pakistani society.
Advocacy and Beliefs
In his writings and speeches, Mahmood has advocated for nuclear sharing among Islamic nations, envisioning it as a pathway to Muslim dominance globally. He has also ventured into Quranic interpretation by producing a tafseer, or commentary, of the Quran in English.
Fascination with Sunspots and Predictions
Mahmood’s fascination with sunspots and their purported influence on historical events is evident in his book “Cosmology and Human Destiny.” In this work, Mahmood posits that sunspot activity has shaped major human conflicts and revolutions throughout history, including the French Revolution, the Russian Revolution, and World War II. He predicts a period of turmoil and destruction from 2007 to 2014, attributing it to heightened sunspot activity.
Books and Predictions
Among Mahmood’s written works are a biography of the Islamic prophet Muhammad titled “First and the Last” and other texts exploring the relationship between Islam and science, such as “Miraculous Quran,” “Life After Death and Doomsday,” and “Kitab-e-Zindagi” (in Urdu). One passage from his book predicts a grim future, suggesting that terrorism will proliferate globally and mass destruction weapons may lead to millions of deaths by 2020.
Views on Djinni and Harmony between Islam and Science
Mahmood has delved into unconventional topics such as djinni, beings made of fire mentioned in the Quran. He proposes tapping into djinni as a potential solution to the energy crisis. Despite controversy surrounding his ideas, Mahmood maintains that there is no conflict between Islam and science, and he envisions a harmonious relationship between the two.
Perspectives from Friends and Colleagues
Farhatullah Babar, Mahmood’s lifelong friend and a Member of Parliament serving as a spokesperson for the President of Pakistan, recalls Mahmood’s predictions regarding sunspot activity and its potential impact on South Asia. Despite criticism, Mahmood remains steadfast in his belief that Islam and science are compatible, urging for open-mindedness in exploring new ideas.
Perceptions and Recognition
Described by The New York Times as “an autodidact intellectual with grand aspirations,” Mahmood’s unorthodox ideas and ambitious pursuits have drawn attention from both admirers and skeptics. Within the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), his unconventional approach led some colleagues to question his mental stability.
Global Perspective on Nuclear Advocacy
Mahmood’s belief in Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal as belonging to the entire Muslim community, referred to as the “Ummah,” has raised eyebrows internationally. His assertion that Pakistan’s bomb is the collective property of Muslims worldwide has garnered significant attention and concern, particularly from American intelligence officials who viewed him as a potential threat.
Recognition and Awards
Despite controversy surrounding his ideas, Mahmood’s contributions have earned him recognition within Pakistan’s scientific community. He has been awarded a gold medal by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, highlighting acknowledgment of his achievements and influence in the field.