Islamabad: Pakistan's probe into its secret nuclear programme has revealed limited approval of co-operation with Iran by former military ruler Zia ul Haq while the fate of its father of atomic bomb Dr A Q Khan hangs in balance.

The investigation of nuclear scientists, currently being grilled to determine allegations of proliferation of nuclear technology to Iran, pointed out that at least two Pakistani scientists acted inappropriately and exchanged information with Iran beyond the limit authorised to them by the Government in late 1980s, 'The News' daily reported today (Jan 24, 2004).

It said one of them could be booked for violating Official Secrets Act.

Quoting local officials, the newspaper said former military ruler General Zia-ul-Haq had approved a longstanding request from the Iranian Government in 1987 for an unpublicised co-operation in peaceful nuclear programme for non-military spheres.

"Just before his death in 1988 when I told Zia about Iran's growing interest in non-peaceful nuclear matters, he asked me to play around but not to yield anything substantial at any cost," it quoted an unnamed top retired nuclear scientist.

The retired scientist, was, however, not very forthcoming about allegations about Zia's successor Aslam Beg who was accused of trying hard to prevail on the subsequent Governments to help Iran to develop nuclear technology. He, however, said he was aware of Beg's successor trying to do the same but did not name him.