Pak. move to replace nuclear scientist draws flak

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, MARCH 31. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, considered to be the father of Pakistan's nuclear programme, has retired from active service after being associated with the country's nuclear programme for over 27 years.

Dr. Khan has been made Advisor on Science and Technology to the Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf. After the initial reports that he declined the offer, Dr. Khan appears to have agreed to take up the new assignment after a meeting with the Chief Executive.

On March 11, the Pakistan Government decided to replace the well- known nuclear scientists - Dr. Qadeer Khan and Dr. Ishfaq Ahmed - Chairmen of the Khan Research Laboratories and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission respectively and appoint them as special advisors to the Chief Executive.

The decision was flayed by the political and religious parties as ``motivated''. They accused it of acting under pressure from the west. The following day the military ruler and Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, deemed it necessary to clarify that his Government would never compromise on the security of the country and the nuclear programme of Pakistan was irreversible.

Dr. Khan appeared to be not enthused with the decision of the Government to elevate him to the position of Special Advisor with the rank of a Minister.

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Section  : International
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