Pakistani court lifts curbs on nuclear scientist

A Pakistani court has ordered the government to lift any remaining restrictions on a scientist alleged to have spread nuclear technology to Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Libya.

Abdul Qadeer Khan's lawyer Ali Zafar said that the Lahore High Court had ruled that "nobody can restrict the movement of AQ Khan" and that notices had been issued to the police and government asking them to explain why they were continuing to do so.

It was unclear whether authorities would obey the decision.

Mr Khan was detained in December 2003 and admitted on television in early 2004 that he had operated a network that spread nuclear weapons technology to Iran, the DPRK and Libya.

He has since repeatedly retracted that statement.

He was pardoned by then president Pervez Musharraf, but immediately placed under de facto house arrest.

In February, the Islamabad High Court announced he was a "free citizen," subject to a confidential accord struck with the government.

The ruling could stir alarm in Washington, which still regards him as a proliferation risk.