ISLAMABAD: Disgraced Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan, who developed the Muslim world's first nuclear bomb and later confessed to leaking weapons technology to Iran, North Korea and Libya, is suffering from prostate cancer, the Government has revealed.
Dr Khan was diagnosed with cancer this month following a routine examination, according to an Information Ministry statement. It gave no details about the seriousness of his condition, not uncommon among men of his age and usually treatable.
''The Government of Pakistan would like to hold out an assurance that the best specialist medical care is being provided to Dr AQKhan in consultation with his family and personal doctors,'' the statement said, describing his state of health as ''of public interest''.
The announcement could lead to renewed calls for Pakistan to let the UN nuclear watchdog question the 70-year-old scientist over his international black market dealings -- a request that Pakistan's Government yesterday reiterated it would refuse.
Extra plainclothes security officers were posted outside Dr Khan's plush villa in Islamabad where he has been under virtual house arrest since he confessed in early 2004 to leaking sensitive nuclear technology to Iran, North Korea and Libya.
Dr Khan is still regarded as a hero by many Pakistanis because of his role in developing a nuclear deterrent to rival that of its larger neighbour India. Dr Khan was pardoned by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said Dr Khan would be provided ''the best medical care'' and would not go abroad for treatment.
Pakistan launched a formal investigation into Dr Khan's dealings in 2003 after the International Atomic Energy Agency wrote a letter to Pakistan saying Dr Khan was operating a black market in weapons technology and know-how.
Pakistan's Government maintains it was not aware of his dealings, but has repeatedly refused to allow the IAEA to question him.
Ms Aslam said that would not change. ''We have conducted our investigation. We have shared the results with the IAEA and third countries. If any questions come up, they should be given to the Government of Pakistan and we would investigate and provide a response,'' she said.
Patrick Cronin, from the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London, said Dr Khan's condition would lead to renewed calls for access to the scientist that Pakistan would be unlikely to allow. ''In terms of critical information that would be lost forever once he goes, that's something that's going to be of considerable concern for security officials,'' he said.
