Islamabad: The father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb Abdul Qadeer Khan has been removed from the post of the Scientific Advisor to Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali for his alleged involvement in the proliferation of sensitive technology to Iran and Libya.

The action followed a meeting of the National Nuclear Command Authority, chaired by President Pervez Musharraf who reviewed the entire investigation process and the fallout of it.

He was removed to "facilitate" an ongoing probe into the suspected transfer of nuclear technology to Iran and Libya, officials said.

Dr Khan, regarded as founder of the country's nuclear programme, was earlier designated as Advisor to President and after the last year's elections he was made advisor to Prime Minister following his forced retirement in 2001 as the head of premier nuclear installation, Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), named after him.

The administrative action removing Dr Khan as Scientific Advisor, a post which bestowed Cabinet rank on him, was seen as a prelude to take drastic action against him, possibly his arrest.

Pakistan Government was under pressure from the Opposition and Islamist parties not to take action against him for his contribution to the country.

The Islamist alliance Muthahida Majlis-e Amal (MMA) has threatened mass agitation if any action is taken against him.