Wednesday, April 9, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 2,1429    

Nuclear assets are completely safe: A.Q. Khan

Islamabad—Top nuclear scientist Dr.A Q Khan said he wants freedom to have a normal life, meet relatives and travel within the country.

Talking to local newsmen Khan said if he is freed, it should be the responsibility of Pak Army to protect him. “Presently my movement is restricted to home and I can meet only family members and close relatives”, Khan complained.

In this connection he hailed the recent statement of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Quraishi and added, he has great expectations from the new democratic government and expects he will be freed soon.

Without naming his opponent, Khan alleged that he was being ‘persecuted for the sake of one man’. However, he did not elaborate his allegation. He categorically said no one can take him away from Pakistan.

He expressed the view that Iran had every right to become nuclear power for peaceful purposes. To a question he stated that except Mushahid and Shujaat no other politicians or media person met him.

As regards security of nuclear weapons and assets he made its crystal clear that these are absolutely safe and secure. “No one can take them away. Nukes are a guarantee for peace for Pakistan” Khan added.—NNI