Pakistan frees 3 aides of disgraced nuke scientist

The three -- Brigadier Sajawal Khan, scientist Dr Nazir Ahmed and Major Islamul Haq -- were detained late last year under a probe into a proliferation network run by Dr Khan, the father of the country's nuclear programme.

Several scientists and officials of the country's main uranium enrichment facility, Khan Research Laboratory, were released earlier this year after remaining under interrogation for months.

Only one scientist, Dr Mohammad Farooq, is still in custody while Dr Khan has been under virtual house arrest since February when he was given a conditional pardon after he admitted leaking nuclear secrets to other countries and sought clemency.

"These three who have been released, they have been allowed to go home because they are not required for the time being," top military spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan told AFP.

"The investigations are still continuing. They have not yet concluded and anybody could be called back whenever there is a requirement."

Dr Khan, a national hero here, took full responsibility for nuclear leaks to Iran, Libya and North Korea. President Pervez Musharraf granted him a conditional pardon and he is living in the capital Islamabad.

Family members of Major Haq, who was principal staff officer to Dr Khan, said authorities had barred him and the two other officials from speaking to press or moving around.

"They have been sent home with strict conditions which amount to home detention," Eisamul Haq told AFP.

He said the three had been given written instructions that they would not leave their homes or speak to any outsider.

Sultan, however, said the officials had been asked to exercise caution for "their personal security".