Global Security Newswire

A Pakistani court today demanded that the government eliminate any restraints on the movement of former top nuclear scientist and proliferator Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, Feb. 12).

Khan confessed in 2004 to running an illicit international network that supplied nuclear technology to Iran, Libya and North Korea, but he has since withdrawn the admission. The Pakistani government confined the scientist to his home until earlier this year, when the Islamabad High Court ordered his release under a secret government settlement. Since that time, Khan has been required to report his movements, request clearance for visitors to his house, and tolerate intelligence and security officers outside his home.

Pakistan's Lahore High Court observed today that "nobody can restrict the movement of A.Q. Khan given a court ruling earlier this year that declared him a 'free citizen,'" said Khan's attorney, Ali Zafar.

It was uncertain whether Pakistani authorities would accept the new court ruling. Law enforcement personnel and other officials were asked to explain why they maintained restrictions on Khan after the February ruling, Zafar said.

Khan welcomed the latest court order.

"It is excellent and heartwarming and very gratifying," Khan said outside his home. "I think the people who have been involved in playing mischief with me will get the message and allow me live a peaceful, private life as a citizen" (Munir Ahmad, Associated Press/Google News, Aug. 28).

He threatened to disclose sensitive information or pursue further legal action if the government continued to interfere in his personal life, the News reported (The News, Aug. 28).