Pak Govt bars family from meeting AQ Khan

The scientist remains under house arrest for his involvement in nuclear proliferation with several countries like Libya and Iran.

The Pakistan Government has barred Aysha Khan, the daughter of nuclear scientist Dr AQ Khan, from visiting her father who remains under house arrest for his involvement in nuclear proliferation with several countries, including Libya, North Korea and Iran.

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Quoting sources close to Dr Khan, a report said that the government has barred family members of Dr Khan from visiting him.

Aysha was the only family member who had permission to see Dr Khan in 'protective custody'.

Director General of Inter-Service Public Relations Shaukat Sultan confirmed the Government's new orders.

He said, "She has been stopped for the time being for security reasons".

Under the Security Act of Pakistan 1952, Dr Khan was taken into custody on January 31, 2004, for allegedly transferring nuclear technology to foreign countries.

While the maximum period of detention under the Security Act was two years, D Khan has been under house arrest for two years and three months, said sources.

According to sources, Dr Khan, who turned 71 on April 1, was suffering from high blood pressure, hernia, dental ailment and heart problems.

The Pakistan Foreign Office recently announced that the government had closed the chapter of Dr Khan. However, he has not been released.