US imposes fresh sanctions against disgraced Pak scientist A.Q. Khan

Washington, Jan.13 (ANI): The US State Department has imposed fresh sanctions against disgraced Pakistani scientist A.Q. Khan.

The name of the Pakistani nuclear scientist, A.Q. Khan along with 12 other individuals appeared on an official notification asking the international community to "remain vigilant" to ensure that the network did not resume its activities.

"We believe these sanctions will help prevent future proliferation-related activities by these private entities, provide a warning to other would-be proliferators. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to using all available tools to address proliferation-related activities," the Dawn quoted the US State Department, as saying.

A.Q. Khan has been charged with providing nuclear equipment and know-how to other countries in an illegal way.

Giving details of the whole network of A. Q. Khan and his nefarious activities, the statement issued by the US State Department said: "Khan led an extensive international network for the proliferation of nuclear equipment and know-how that provided "one stop shopping" for countries seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

Khan, earlier, had publicly acknowledged his involvement in the network,but, later retracted from his statement.

The US State Department statement also urged the international community to be vigilant on the issue.

"While we believe the A.Q. Khan network is no longer operating, countries should remain vigilant to ensure that Khan network associates, or others seeking to pursue similar proliferation activities, will not become a future source for sensitive nuclear information or equipment," it said. (ANI)