The Hindu : A.Q. Khan sacked as adviser

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 01, 2004

Front Page

Front Page

A.Q. Khan sacked as adviser

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, JAN. 31. The founder of Pakistan's nuclear programme, Abdul Qadeer Khan, has been stripped of his position as Adviser to the Prime Minister, in the wake of the ongoing investigation into allegations of the transfer of nuclear technology to Iran and Libya.

The decision came today even as the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, presided over a meeting of the National Command Authority, which controls the country's nuclear assets and programmes, to take stock of the progress of the investigation into charges of nuclear proliferation. Dr. Khan was dismissed "in the background of the investigations into alleged acts of nuclear proliferation by a few individuals and to facilitate those investigations in a free and objective manner," the Government said in a statement after the meeting.

For over a week, media reports have suggested that Dr. Khan was involved in the illegal transfer of nuclear technology in collusion with an international underground nuclear mafia for pecuniary benefits. Pakistan was forced to undertake the investigation after the International Atomic Energy Agency, on the basis of its probe into Iran's nuclear programme, sent a letter to Islamabad in November last. There is little doubt that the possible involvement of Dr. Khan in the scandal has embarrassed Pakistan. The decision on his dismissal must have been tough considering that he had been projected as a national icon and a hero of the Muslim world.

Religious and political parties are expected to criticise the Government on charges of buckling under Western pressure and putting the country's nuclear capability at risk. Questions have already been raised about how highly guarded and shadowed scientists could indulge in technology transfers without the connivance of those who matter.

Three days ago, at a press conference, the Information Minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, conceded that scientists involved in the alleged technology transfer could have been influenced by `greed.' The next day, Mr. Ahmed called on Dr. Khan in a bid to persuade him to step down voluntarily. The National Command Authority was informed that the investigation "was nearly concluded and appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty," the official statement said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

News Update

Stories in this Section

We believe in peace: Vajpayee

Chandrika likely to dissolve Parliament

Vote on account a joke: Sonia

Sonia meets Mayawati

A.Q. Khan sacked as adviser

Pending case stalls Bleach's release

Suraiyya dead