Islamabad: In a significant move, Pakistan has relaxed the restrictions on its top nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan, under house detention after his confession that he transferred nuclear technology to Libya, Iran and North Korea.

"Khan, known as the father of the Islamic bomb, for his contribution to Pakistan's nuclear programme has been allowed to go out of his house in protective custody for one hour a day and meet his family members, local daily 'Dawn' said quoting officials.

It said that the daughter of Khan, her children and other members of his family had also been allowed to meet him once a day for one hour.

Khan, who was subsequently pardoned by President Pervez Musharraf after confessing transferring nuclear technology to different countries in violation of the international ban on nuclear proliferation, has been provided with regular medical facilities.

A cardiologist attached to Khan Research Laboratories, (KRL), country's premier nuclear installation has been assigned to look after Khan, the paper said.

Khan's personal staff along with several nuclear scientists have been detained and questioned after United States and the International Atomic Energy Association, (IAEA) forwarded a critical dossier pointing to their involvement in proliferation of nuclear technology to various countries.