Govt not to restrict movement of A Q Khan: FM
'Pakistan Times' Wire Service

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Monday said that the government would not restrict the movement of Dr A Q Khan.

Talking to Dawn TV, he said ,”Dr Khan is a Pakistani and no doubt a respectful citizen.

“I think, he should be allowed to see his friends, he should be allowed to go for a drive, he should be allowed to go and have a meal at restaurant. I do not see any reason why he should be deprived of all this”, the Minister said.

He, however said that government was concerned about the security and health of renowned scientist.

Another report says that the the government has hinted it may lift restrictions on renowned nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, under house arrest since January 2004.

“I do not want to see his (Qadeer Khan's) movements restricted. He is a Pakistani and a respected Pakistani,'' Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said while talking to local media on Monday.

Dr A Q Khan, founder of Pakistan's nuclear programme, was put under house arrest in 2004 after he confessed on state-run television to illegally selling nuclear technology outside Pakistan.

“He is a national hero and will not be handed over to IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) in any situation,'' Foreign Minister said.●