Mystery remains behind A Q Khan's security restrictions removal

Islamabad, Aug.30 (ANI): Following the orders of the Lahore High Court to remove all security restrictions on disgraced scientist Dr. A Q Khan, the authorities have lifted all restrictions on his movement, however, Khan has denied restrictions being removed.

"Visitors on Saturday faced no restrictions in reaching the residence of Dr Khan," Syed Ali Zafar, Dr. Khan's counsel, said.

"Dr Khan is now an absolutely free man. There is no security protocol in place for him and he can freely move and go anywhere he wants to," The Daily Times quoted Zafar, as saying.

However, Khan, himself, denied the restrictions being lifted.

"Police are still standing outside my residence. They are still asking people questions. I am not aware of any softening in the security cover," he said.

Khan said he is not in favour of receiving security cover like it was provided to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chauhdry after their removal from office.

"I want to move freely, stop wherever I like and be able to travel to Karachi or Dubai of my own free will, and not at the directions of the security people," he added.

The LHC had directed the district magistrate and DIG Islamabad to end Khan's official protocol with immediate effect on Friday (August 28).

The court also summoned both officials to appear before it on September 4 and explain the reason to keep Khan in captivity under the pretext of protocol.

Khan had moved a petition in the Lahore Court challenging his official protocol, terming it a hindrance. (ANI)