'Release of AQ Khan would be regrettable'

The United States says the release of a Pakistani scientist accused of leaking atomic secrets would be "extremely regrettable" and "unfortunate."

The United States says the release of a Pakistani scientist accused of leaking atomic secrets would be "extremely regrettable" and "unfortunate."

HT Image

State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid told reporters Friday that Abdul Qadeer Khan remains a "serious proliferation risk." He says the United States is still trying to confirm Khan's official status but has seen reports that say Khan has been released.

Khan is considered the father of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. He took sole responsibility in 2004 for leaking nuclear secrets to North Korea, Iran and Libya but was immediately pardoned. He was freed from years of de facto house arrest Friday by a high court ruling.