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Thursday, March 14, 2024

Pakistan’s nuclear scientist demands freedom of movement

The pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear program has claimed in a petition that the former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, under the influence of the United States, had pressured him to read a statement written by him [Musharraf] on the television.

News Desk |

Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, who had admitted leaking nuclear secrets, has petitioned the Lahore High Court requesting it to lift restrictions on his movements. In addition, he has stated in the petition that he was pressured to read a statement on nuclear proliferation.

Interestingly, The Express Tribune said, the pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear program has claimed in the petition that former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, under the influence of the United States, had pressured him to read a statement written by him [Musharraf] on the television.

Khan had expressed regret over his confession made in 2004 and alleged that he had been ‘betrayed by his friends’ who had promised that nothing wrong would happen to him and he would live a respectable life.

Dr Khan, commonly known as Dr A.Q Khan, has requested the LHC to allow him to move freely and appear in-person in a case already pending at the court, restraining the security officials from creating any hindrance in doing so.

Regret over Confession

As far as his allegation about the confessional statement is concerned, this is not the first time he has come forward and alleged that he was compelled to read the statement on television.

On May 29, 2009, Dawn reported, Khan had expressed regret over his confession made in 2004 and alleged that he had been ‘betrayed by his friends’ who had promised that nothing wrong would happen to him and he would live a respectable life.

In his first detailed interview since he was put under a virtual house arrest, Dr Khan had said that he had been made a ‘scapegoat’ and he had made the confession in the larger interest of the country. “I think the confession was my mistake,” he told DawnNews TV channel on Thursday.

Read more: A.Q. Khan: Nuclear hero to Pakistan, villain to West

In the instant petition, Khan through his counsel has said that Musharraf had promised that the nuclear scientist would be restored after a few days of the speech but Musharraf did not abide by his promise. He has maintained that the former Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and lawyer SM Zafar were also witnesses in this matter.

Dr Qadeer Wishes to Appear before Court in Person

“I am restrained from going anywhere which is against the norms of moral values. I cannot go anywhere or attend any ceremony which is regrettable,” he has stated in the petition.

Dr Khan has requested LHC to hear his case in an open court rather than hearing it in the chamber. He has contended the court that it was his fundamental right to plead his case himself (in person) or by his representative(s).

“The respondents – the government of Pakistan and Strategic Plans Division Force – have imposed an illegal ban on me. I wish to appear before the court in person to explain my grievances but I am being restrained.”

Read more: Musharraf wanted to hand over Dr. Qadeer to the US: Ex-PM Jamali

Dr Khan said his presence in court should be ensured by the court in order to get the right facts and justice in the case.