Pakistan nuclear scientist 'free'

A court in Pakistan has freed disgraced nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan from house arrest. Mr Khan, who has been under tight restrictions since 2004, can now go out of the home and receive visitors. He must give 48 hours notice if he wants to leave Islamabad but said Friday he had no plans to go abroad. Mr Khan admitted to transferring nuclear secrets to other countries in 2004, but was later pardoned by former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf. The United States has repeatedly said it will question Mr Khan, but Pakistan has always denied.

"Free citizen"
"I am only responsible for my government," said a jubilant AQ Khan told journalists shortly after the Court was announced.But he said he had no plans to leave politics, or travel abroad. Mr Khan, former head of Pakistan's nuclear program, said he would use his freedom to focus on educational projects. His wife said she would wait and see how and whether the statement was executed. Mr Khan lawyer, Iqbal Jaffry earlier told the media: The High Court has declared him a free citizen. He will have all the rights of persons under the Constitution and the Qur'an. In recent years the government has relaxed some of the restrictions on Mr Khan. It says that those who remain for their own security. BBC's Barbara spots in Islamabad says that in spite of Friday's ruling by Mr Khan's proliferation activities are still attracted international concern, even if Pakistan considers the matter closed.

Nuclear 'father' 

In January, the U.S. imposed sanctions on people and companies in connection with Mr Khan. In July last year, according to Khan told the media that Pakistan had moved uranium enrichment equipment to North Korea in 2000 with full knowledge of the country's army, then led by Gen. Musharraf. The former leader has repeatedly stated that no one apart from Mr Khan had no knowledge of the transport of nuclear technology. Mr Khan is considered to be the father of Pakistan's nuclear industry and is still considered by many a brand in the country. But despite the Court's decision, Dr Khan's proliferation activities are still attracted international interest, says the BBC's Barbara spots in Islamabad.

Last year, a UN nuclear watchdog said Dr. Khan network had smuggled nuclear weapons designs to Iran, Libya and North Korea. Pakistan consider the matter closed - it says it has cooperated with international investigators, but refused further requests to Dr. Khan to speak directly to them, our correspondent adds.