Pak relaxes restrictions on A Q Khan

Pakistan has relaxed the restrictions on its top nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan, under house detention after his confession that he transferred nuclear technology to Libya, Iran and North Korea.

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"Khan, known as the father of Islamic bomb, for his contribution to Pakistan's nuclear programme has been allowed to go out of his house in protective custody for one hour a day and meet his family," local daily Dawn said quoting officials.

It said that Khan's daughter, her children and other members of his family have also been allowed to meet him once a day for one hour.

Khan, who was pardoned by President  Pervez Musharraf after confessing transferring nuclear technology to different countries in violation of an international ban on nuclear proliferation, has been provided with regular medical facilities.

A cardiologist attached to Khan Research Laboratories, country's premier nuclear installation, has been assigned to look after Khan, the paper said.

Khan's personal staff along with several nuclear scientists have been detained and questioned after United States and the International Atomic Energy Association forwarded a critical dossier pointing to their involvement in proliferation of nuclear technology to various countries.