Pak court allows Khan to meet relatives, friends
A Pakistani court on monday allowed disgraced nuclear scientist A Q Khan, to meet his relatives and friends subject to security clearances.
Disposing of a petition filed on Khan's behalf by advocate Javed Iqbal Jafferi, Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Aslam of the Islamabad High Court said there should be "no restrictions" on Khan's visits within Pakistan to "meet any of his close relations subject to security clearance".
However, it also ruled that Khan should not "convey any information regarding proliferation to any of his relations or friends by any means whatsoever".
The court said the scientist should be provided healthcare by a doctor of his choice. It also said "adequate arrangements shall be made for the visit of Dr A Q Khan to the Science Foundation (in Islamabad) under strict security arrangements".
The Islamabad High Court had on July 16 reserved its judgement on Jafferi's petition challenging Khan's detention after an in-camera hearing with the lawyers of the scientist and the government.
Today's judgement was silent on the issue of Khan's house arrest as well as the legality of the detention.
The five-page order issued by the Chief Justice said "Dr A Q Khan will be allowed to meet his close relatives and friends subject to security clearance and necessary precautions and measures taken in regard to his security and safety, which is of paramount importance.
"He will inform the security agencies well in time the details of his close relatives or friends so that (the government is) able to make necessary arrangements."
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