Islamabad: The fate of Pakistan's father of the nuclear bomb Abdul Qadeer Khan continued to hang in balance even after he publicly admitted to have sold nuclear technology to different countries, as the National Command Authority (NCA), Pakistan official body in-charge of nuclear weapons, referred his mercy appeal to the Cabinet for a final decision.

The NCA meeting headed by President Pervez Musharraf and attended by the top military brass as well as Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and senior Cabinet colleagues reportedly took a favorable view on Khan's clemency petition but the final decision on it would be announced by the Cabinet which would meet on Friday (Feb 06, 2004), official media reports said.

Earlier, Khan in what appears to be a decisive move in a coordinated strategy with the Government to cap the raging controversy over the proliferation of nuclear technology to Iran, Libya and North Korea, the top nuclear scientist today (Feb 04, 2004) met Musharraf, admitted his guilt in transferring nuclear technology, absolved successive Governments of any responsibility and asked for forgiveness from President and the Nation at large.

In the meeting well publicised by State television PTV, Musharraf was seen offering Khan, regarded as a national hero for helping Pakistan to make a nuclear bomb through a covert programme, a seat after which he owned his guilt in the proliferation of nuclear technology.

After the meeting the State television PTV announced that Khan has confirmed to Musharraf that he was responsible for the transfer of nuclear technology for his action during his tenure as chairman of the Pakistan's premier nuclear installation, Dr. Khan Research Laboratories, (KRL), from which he was forcibly retired in 2001.

Khan who appeared extremely disturbed later told PTV in a brief interview that he had extremely useful and cordial meeting with Musharraf.

"It was extremely fine and helpful meeting. The President was exceptionally kind and understanding. He discussed this ongoing affair and international campaign against Pakistan about nuclear matters. I explained all the things and gave him the background of what has happened and what is happening.

"He (Musharraf) appreciated the frankness with which I gave him the details. Insha allah he will discuss the details with the Cabinet, Prime Minister and other colleagues and take decision to how to proceed about it," Khan said.

After his meeting with Musharraf, Khan drove to the PTV headquarters where he read out a written statement in front of the camera owning complete responsibility for the proliferation of nuclear technology. "There was never ever any kind of authorisation for these activities by the Government. I take full responsibility for my actions and seek your pardon," he said.