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Pak President Musharraf pardons N-scientist A Q Khan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Feb 5, IRNA - Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf 
pardoned Thursday Abdul Qadeer Khan, father of the Pakistan nuclear 
bomb, for leaking nuclear technology to other countries. 
"Dr Abdul Qadeer is my hero. He is a national hero," General 
Musharraf told columnists and newspaper editors in Rawalpindi. 
Earlier, a special meeting of the cabinet presided over by Prime 
Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali decided to send its recommendations to 
the General Musharraf to pardon the scientist. 
"Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan has rendered sacrifices for the country and 
the nation," Musharraf said. 
In a televised statement Wednesday after meeting President 
Musharraf, Dr Qadeer Khan accepted full responsibility for nuclear 
leaks and sought forgiveness from the nation. 
President Musharraf said Pakistan will never allow technology 
transfer to other nations and will not transfer nuclear technology to 
any country. 
There is widespread anger in the country at the decision to remove 
Dr Qadeer Khan as advisor to the prime minister and to make him appear
on TV. 
The alliance of Islamic groups, Mutahida Majlis-e Amal (MMA) has 
called for nationwide protests Friday to support Qadeer Khan and other
detained nuclear scientists, who they see as national heroes. 
It was believed that Qadeer Khan would be pardoned following his 
public confession. 
Khans contributions made Pakistan to carry out nuclear tests in 
1998 in response to arch-rival India. 
Pakistan began its investigation in November after the UN nuclear 
watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency provided information to 
Pakistan about the alleged nuclear leak. 
TSH/NB/210 
END