A Q Khan chapter not closed: US to Pakistan

Islamabad, June 4 (UNI) The United States has not closed the case of Pakistan's Dr A Q Khan, who is allegedly involved in transfer of nuclear technology to Iran, Libya and Syria, and demanded ''direct access to the controversial scientist to interrogate him''.

''It should be clear to Islamabad that the A Q Khan chapter is not closed in response to Pakistan's policy of non-cooperation with the Bush administration in helping stabilise Afghanistan,'' the Friday Times yesterday quoted the US Sub Committee on International Terrorism and Non-Proliferation as saying.

The Committee, which held its hearing on Dr Khan's case, made several significant conclusions, including the scientist's ''proliferation activity regarding Iran''. It demanded that all individuals involved in proliferation be prosecuted.

The paper said the hearing was significant on many counts and it was the ''most damning indictment on A Q Khan's network and the role of the Musharraf regime'' in not fully cooperating with the US on this issue.

The US comments on Dr Khan's role in proliferation were in response to Pakistan's statement that his case has been closed.

Two other factors were attributed to Washington's comments, including Pakistan's demand that it should be treated at par with India regarding the Indo-US nuclear deal.

The paper said the Bush administration must have given its approval for the hearing because it is also unhappy with the Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's regime for not doing more to put down the ferocious Talibans. The recent change of Pakistan by opting to negotiate with Taliban through Jamail-Ul-Ulema Islami could aggravate tension between Pakistan and the US.

UNI XC/SMA PK RN1112