Dr Qadeer’s confessional statement on proliferation and its repercussions
05 February, 2004
Chairman Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) Dr Qadeer Khan met with President Musharraf and asked for clemency from all charges against him in view of the services he rendered for the country. He said that all his actions although were in good faith but an error in judgment was made for which he is extremely sorry. Pres. Musharraf and cabinet pardoned Dr Qadeer in wider national interest.
Dr AQ Khan also publicly apologized on state TV to the public for the “anguish” and the “sorrow” his actions have caused to the Pakistani nation and the government. He also upheld that the nuclear transfer occurred on his behest and no former or present government was in anyway involved.
President Musharraf in his address to the editors and renowned journalists, blamed the media for mishandling this sensitive issue of nuclear leakage.
1. Is Dr Qadeer’s confession a result of remorse or pressure by the government?
2. Should the issue of debriefing of scientists be raised politically or put in cold storage?
3. What will be the international impact on confessional statement by Dr AQ Khan regarding proliferation?
4. How do you think Pakistani media has handled this issue ?
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