Pakistan Eases Curbs on Atomic Scientist

The founder of Pakistan's nuclear program, Abdul Qadeer Khan, is seen in this undated file photo in Islamabad, Pakistan. Authorities have eased the virtual house arrest imposed on Khan, the scientist who sold Pakistan's nuclear secrets to Iran, North Korea, and Libya, officials said Monday, July 2, 2007. (AP Photo/File) (AP)

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- A.Q. Khan, the scientist who became a national hero for developing Pakistan's atomic bomb and went on to sell nuclear secrets abroad, can leave house arrest to meet with friends and relatives, officials said Monday.

In his first public statement in years, Khan told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that he was recovering for treatment for prostate cancer.

Khan confessed in 2004 to heading a network that supplied sensitive technology to Iran, North Korea and Libya. The ring had been in operation for nearly three decades.

Many Pakistanis still regard Khan as a hero because of his role in developing the country's nuclear deterrent against its larger neighbor India. He was pardoned by President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, though he was still confined to his plush villa in Islamabad.

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 continue to provide him with a security detail that restricts 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," which first surfaced in Pakistan's Nawa-i-Waqt newspaper on Monday, she said.

Reached by telephone at his residence, Khan declined to discuss the restrictions.

"I am feeling much better, though I can't say I am 100 percent fit," said Khan, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August last year.