Pakistani Nuclear Scientist Released from Hospital

Abdul Qadeer Khan, the former Pakistani scientist who once led an international nuclear smuggling ring, was released from a hospital yesterday after undergoing surgery for prostate cancer, wire services reported (see GSN, Sept. 11).

Khan, 70, considered the father of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program, underwent surgery last weekend in Karachi after being transferred from his home in Islamabad.

Since 2004, Khan, revered by many as a national hero, has been under house arrest for his role in the nuclear black market.  U.S. and other international officials seeking access to Khan, have not been permitted by the Pakistani government to question the scientist.

After his release, Khan was taken to his sister’s home in Karachi where intelligence agents and troops have been deployed, the Associated Press reported.

Since his transfer to Karachi, only relatives have been allowed to visit Khan and the government has released little information about his movements.

“He is doing fine despite some minor issues and is under intensive post-care treatment,” a doctor involved in Khan’s treatment told Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

Khan will stay in Karachi for “a few weeks for postoperative care under the supervision of the team of doctors who operated on him,” according to a statement released late Saturday by the military-run Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate. “Dr. Khan is in good health and has shown rapid recovery,” the statement said (Reuters/News!Yahoo, Sept. 17).

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