I AM outraged to learn of the horrible treatment meted out by many in Pakistan to the only globally-acclaimed Pakistani scientist and Nobel Prize winner Dr Abdus Salam.

To defame a great scientist and humble human being, whose only sin was to be born in 1947 and by default become a Pakistani, is completely unacceptable.

Dr Salam’s vision of natural and scientific truths has been borne out by the recent discovery of the so-called Higgs boson at CERN in Geneva. In any other country, the memory of a native son who became such an eminent scientist with extraordinary vision and competence would be a cause for much rejoicing, but not in Pakistan.

Shame should also be heaped on the local magistrate whose decision to deface Dr Salam’s tombstone in such a vile manner should be thoroughly condemned.

I am surprised to see that the pages of your publication do not show widespread protest against this terrible insult inflicted on a man who during his lifetime only wanted to seek the truth.

ROBERT J. CHARLES USA