2004-2-6
This is Steve Ember with In the
News, in VOA Special English.
Debate continues in Pakistan over the decision to pardon nuclear
scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan. Mister Khan admitted Wednesday that he
sold nuclear technology to North Korea, Libya and Iran. He spoke on
national television.
On Thurday, President Pervez Musharraf pardoned Mister Khan with
support from the cabinet. And on Friday Islamic opposition parties
held demonstrations in several cities in support of the scientist.
But other opposition parties demanded a parliamentary investigation.
Mister Khan is considered a national hero. He is known as the
father of the Pakistani nuclear weapons program.
In his statement, Mister Khan accepted full responsibility for
spreading weapons technology to other countries. He said he acted
alone, without government knowledge. He apologized and asked
forgiveness. Mister Khan had met earlier Wednesday with Mister
Musharraf to request a pardon.
Critics say Mister Khan could not have sold nuclear secrets
without the knowledge of military officials. General Musharraf
denies that. He says he pardoned Mister Khan because the scientist
has done much for national security. The president says Pakistan now
has controls to stop the spread of nuclear technology.
Pakistani officials carried out a two-month investigation. They
had received evidence late last year from the International Atomic
Energy Agency, part of the United Nations. The evidence showed that
Pakistani scientists had provided technology to Iran that could be
used to make nuclear bombs. The evidence was based on statements
made by Iran to the U-N agency.
In addition, Pakistan heard American concerns that North Korea
had gotten help from Pakistani scientists. Finally, Libya's leader
admitted in December that his country had a nuclear weapons program.
Mister Khan has said he acted out of a desire to remove Western
attention from the Pakistani nuclear program. But President
Musharraf says the scientist did it for money. Pakistani officials
say Mister Khan received millions of dollars over a period of years.
They say he bought homes in Pakistan and other countries and put
money into foreign banks.
Two weeks ago, the Pakistani government had promised to take
legal action against anyone caught selling nuclear secrets. Several
scientists and other officials have been under investigation. But
religious groups strongly opposed punishment for Mister Khan.
The International Atomic Energy Agency says the problem does not
end with Mister Khan. But President Musharraf says he will not
permit international supervision of the Pakistani nuclear program.
The United States said it would not judge the decision to pardon
Mister Khan. It said what is more important is to make sure no more
nuclear secrets leave Pakistan.
In the News, in VOA Special English, was written by Cynthia Kirk.
This is Steve Ember.