Islamabad: After months of investigations into the allegations of proliferation of nuclear technology to North Korea, Iran and Libya, the Pakistani Government has formally charged four of its nuclear scientists and security officials for alleged transfer of nuclear technology to other countries.

"Families received notices from the Government today, saying that the nuclear scientists and security officials have been put under arrest for three months," private television channels quoted a lawyer representing the scientists as saying.

There was, however, no official confirmation to this effect.

Local television channel Geo said four scientists have been charged. It is not clear whether the top scientist, Dr A Q Khan, has also been charged or not.

The lawyer said the scientists have been charged under Security Law of 1952, which deals with Defence, external and security affairs. He said the law allows the detained men to have a defense lawyer.

The orders charging the scientists came as the families challenged their detention and the Lahore High Court set February 9 for the Government to submit a written reply about the whereabouts of the scientists and charges against them.

Wife of Major Islam, the close aide of Dr Abdul Qadeer, has been quoted as saying that Qadeer Khan is also among those who have been put under house arrest for three months. However, there was no official confirmation.