Musharraf pressured me to read statement on nuclear proliferation, claims Dr Qadeer

The nuclear scientist requests LHC in a writ petition to allow him to move freely, appear in-person in a pending case

LAHORE: In a letter written to the Lahore High Court chief justice, the pioneer of Pakistan’s nuclear programme Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan claimed that former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, under the influence of the United States, had pressured on him to read a statement written by him [Musharraf] on the television.

According to Dr Qadeer, Musharraf had promised him that the nuclear scientist would be restored after a few days of the speech but Musharraf did not abide by his promise. Former prime minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and lawyer SM Zafar were also witnesses in this matter, he added.

Following no response from the provincial chief justice Sardar Shamim Ahmed Khan, Dr Qadeer filed a writ petition in the Lahore High Court requesting to allow him to move freely and appear in-person in a case already pending at the court, restraining the security officials from creating any hindrance in doing so.

Dr AQ Khan makes plea for free movement

A lawyers’ delegation, headed by advocate Muhammad Mudasar Chaudhry filed the petition in the court.

Dr Qadeer said, Justice Chaudhry Ijaz gave him some relief later but for the last three or four years, security officials had confined his moment to his home.

“I am restrained from going anywhere which is against the norms of moral values. I cannot go anywhere or attend any ceremony which is regrettable.”

Dr Qadeer requested LHC to hear his case in an open court rather than hearing it in the chamber.

Young researchers have skill but no opportunities, says Dr AQ Khan

The petitioner contended the court that it was his fundamental right to plead his case himself (in person) or by his representative(s).

“The respondents (the government of Pakistan and Strategic Plans Division Force) has imposed an illegal ban on me. I wish to appear before the court in person to explain my grievances but I am being restrained.”

Dr Qadeer said his presence in the court should be made sure by the court in order to get the right facts and justice in the case.