Islamabad: Stressing that Pakistan's nuclear scientists were the countrys "prime assets," Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan would not be handed over to any other country or agency for questioning over his role in the clandestine proliferation of atomic technology.

Aziz said that the nuclear scientists and capability were the countrys prime assets and no one would be allowed to harm them. "Nuclear scientists are our national pride and their security is our responsibility," the Prime Minister said.

He said that the services of Dr Khan, the founder of Pakistan's nuclear programme, were unforgettable and he would never be handed over to any other country or agency.

In January 2004, Khan confessed to having been involved in a clandestine international network of nuclear weapons technology proliferation from Pakistan to Libya, Iran and North Korea.

Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto had earlier made statements about giving the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to Dr Khan, a suggestion that has been met by outrage from some sections of the population, where the nuclear scientist is still viewed as a national hero.

Pakistan is the only nuclear Islamic state and every citizen should be proud of this feat as it ensures national security, sovereignty and progress, Aziz was quoted as saying by the Daily Times newspaper yesterday.

President Pervez Musharraf has also ruled out allowing any foreign agency or IAEA to interrogate the nuclear scientist. "If anyone has questions, he should send us and we will conduct the probe ourselves," Musharraf said.

Pakistan has sought a nuclear deal similar to the Indo-US civilian nuclear pact finalised between New Delhi and Washington. The US has repeatedly ruled out such a deal with Pakistan.

Source : PTI