ISLAMABAD, 25 August 2006 — After more than two and a half years of virtual seclusion for his role in a nuclear proliferation scandal, Pakistan’s ailing “atom bomb father” Abdul Qadeer Khan yesterday appeared on the state-run station PTV, chatting with ex-Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. During the meeting, Qadeer said his illness is “a test from God” and as such he would fight it “‘with fortitude”.

Chaudhry Shujaat visited Qadeer late Wednesday, after officials had reported a day earlier that he had been diagnosed with adino carcinoma (cancer) of the prostate.

“He looked happy and active and we spent about an hour with him today,” ruling Pakistan Muslim League president Chaudhry Shujaat told MPs in Parliament.

A government spokesman had said that during a routine medical examination of Qadeer conducted in early August, tests revealed a slightly raised level of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA). “He talked to us about the past and was in good spirits. He even came out to see us off,” Hussain said after meeting Qadeer for about an hour at his upscale residence in Islamabad. Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani, who had accompanied Chaudhry Shujaat and carried a bouquet on behalf of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, told reporters afterward that the government would provide Qaderr the best possible treatment.

“The government is aware of its responsibility and will fulfill it,” Durrani said when his attention was drawn to several opposition leaders demanding access to Qadeer to see for themselves his state of health. The public would be kept informed from time to time about his condition whenever necessary, he said. “He is the hero of the nation and opposition members should be allowed to see him,” said Islamist MP Sahibzada Fazle Karim.

Most opposition legislators as well as one of the prime bodies of Pakistan’s lawyers had wanted to move the apex Supreme Court on the issue but the government said it is taking care of Qadeer, whom the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had also wanted for interrogation.

Qadeer, respected at home as a national hero and the father of Pakistan’s nuclear program, has been under house arrest at his sprawling Islamabad residence since he confessed in February 2004 to his involvement in passing nuclear technology to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

However, President Pervez Musharraf pardoned him for “invaluable” efforts to put the country on the international nuclear map but refused to hand him over to any foreign country for questioning. US diplomat Bryan D. Hunt told journalists in Lahore yesterday “the US never asked Pakistan to handover Qadeer. He said, “At no stage the United States asked for Dr. Qadeer.”

Imran Offers Help to Ailing Scientist

Cricket legend Imran Khan yesterday offered Qadeer treatment at his specialized cancer hospital. “Dr. A. Q. Khan must be immediately shifted to Shaukat Khanum Hospital, the only place in the country where specialized cancer treatment is available,” Imran said on the private Geo TV.

“I want to convey this message to the nation through this program,” he said.

“It would be a great honor for me and our hospital to treat Dr. A. Q. Khan,” the former all-rounder said.