Monday, October 6, 2008, Shawwal 6, 1429    

Govt least bothered about my freedom: A Q Khan

Islamabad—The renowned scientist, Dr A Q Khan has strongly voiced his predicament regarding his absolute freedom by government, despite the unanimous demand of the entire Nation.

In his recent telephonic conversation with a private TV channel, he cited many political leaders and high-ranking Army officers of absolving him (Dr A Q Khan) of all the charges levied against him, and also pointed to various student and other civil society organisations who had strongly demanded his immediate release, but the government seemed to have shelved his entire case and concerns into cold storage turning a deaf ear to demand for his immediate complete freedom.

He said he was informed about being denied permission to offer his daily prayers at his favourite Faisal mosque for four years. “All this hurts me very much, and one is bound to think that anyone who does something good for the Nation is apt to face such a negative attitude”, he complained, adding he was not even allowed to offer his very first Eid prayers to be held under the auspices of a democratic government, which was very painful for him.

He said that about 50 security personnel were deployed outside his house, whose permission he has to seek to go somewhere, and who have to further contact their higher-ups. He also complained that those visiting him were often harassed, with guns pointed at them. He thanked TV channels for being quite helpful in portraying his ordeal.—Online