U.S. has given over $10 billion in Aid to Pakistan since 9/11, what a return on investment.
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Authorities have eased the virtual house arrest imposed on A.Q. Khan, the disgraced scientist who sold Pakistan’s nuclear secrets to Iran, North Korea and Libya, officials said Monday.
In what is believed to be his first public comment in about three years, Khan told The Associated Press that he was recovering from treatment for cancer, but declined to discuss other topics.
Khan, 71, the architect of Pakistan’s nuclear program, confessed in 2004 to heading an international ring of smugglers that supplied sensitive technology to Iran and others.
President Gen. Pervez Musharraf pardoned him while confining him to his tightly guarded villa in the capital, Islamabad. He has been permitted few visitors.
However, two senior government officials told the AP that the restrictions were eased several months ago and that Khan could now meet friends and relatives either at his home or elsewhere in Pakistan.
“He is virtually a free citizen,” said one of the officials, who is attached to the nuclear program.
However, the second official said Khan was only allowed to meet associates and relatives on a list approved by authorities, who would continue to provide him with a security detail that will restrict his movements.
Both asked for anonymity because of the sensitivity of Khan’s case.
Asked whether the government has relaxed restrictions on Khan, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said “there is no change in his status. He continues to lead a quiet life with his family.”
“He meets his friends. He talks to people. This was happening even before the news reports,” she said.