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)

Pakistan launched a formal investigation into Khan's dealings in 2003 after the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, wrote a letter to Pakistan saying that Khan was operating a black market in weapons technology and know-how.

Pakistan's government insists it was unaware of his dealings, but refuses to allow the IAEA to question him.

Several U.S. lawmakers warned last week that Khan's network could still be in business and pressed for Pakistan to provide more information.

However, Pakistan says it has shared the findings of its own probe and the Bush administration has repeatedly praised Islamabad for its help in preventing further nuclear proliferation.

One of the officials who spoke Monday said no country had asked to "directly interrogate" Khan and reiterated that the investigation was over.

Mahdi Hassan, a retired professor and political analyst, said news of the eased restrictions was leaked because the U.S. government had recently expressed satisfaction over the way Pakistan has handled the investigation.

"It is only because of the clearance we have received from the U.S. government," he said.

Khan has not been seen in public since his confinement began 3 1/2 years ago _ although he has been seen sitting on the verandah of his villa, sometimes chatting on a cell phone or waving to passers-by.