Senators call for probe into nuclear proliferation scandal

Islamabad, Aug 31: Senators from different political parties criticised former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf who in a recent interview claimed that he pardoned Dr AQ Khan, after the nuclear scientist knelt down in front of him and begged forgiveness for nuclear proliferation. According to a report by Irfan Ghauri in "The Express Tribune" today, the issue was raised by PML-N Senator Salim Zia as an issue of public importance. In his remarks, Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani questioned timing of Musharraf’s claims and said the interview came after the US President had cast doubts on Pakistan’s efforts in the war against terrorism. “Context of this statement should be seen… its timing is very important,” remarked Senator Zia, calling Musharraf’s statement damaging and demanding a thorough probe into the matter. The report said, PPP’s Farhatullah Babar said Musharraf’s statement required an independent inquiry into the matter to expose all those involved. “The statement only encouraged the international community to renew its call for inquiry into nuclear proliferation and decline nuclear cooperation with Pakistan. “Musharraf’s interview has lent added force to the charges of proliferation against Pakistan. An inquiry should identify whether Dr AQ Khan was the only person involved in this sale agreement,” he said. Babar said everyone knew that Dr AQ Khan could not have taken huge centrifuge machines and other nuclear materials on his shoulders without being noticed. This feat could not have been performed by one individual, but needed teamwork. “The former President through this statement has not served Pakistan as his interview has lent added force to the charges of proliferation against Pakistan. He has opened up a Pandora’s box,” he said. Babar said it gravely undermined Pakistan’s case for equal treatment parity with India in the wake of US’s nuclear technology agreement with the latter. Now the world, he said, would say that proliferators of nuclear weapons could not be trusted even with cooperation in peaceful nuclear technology. He called for holding an inquiry and said, “Because the world will not spare them otherwise.” Former Interior Minister Rehman Malik called for an in-camera session of the House on the issue. He said he had details of who were involved in the nuclear deal. “I had investigated the matter and interacted with Dr AQ Khan and the military establishment and I would be able to give some documents to the house in an in-camera session. In know what was done and who pocketed the money in the deal,” he added. The chairman Senate said the Committee of the Whole House had already been formed to look into the matter, "The Express Tribune" report said. UNI