Observing that India was well aware of certain clandestine characteristics of Pakistan's nuclear programme, New Delhi on Wednesday sought proper investigation of reports on the nature of Islamabad's close links with the Taliban at various levels in this regard. We know very well of Pakistan's intricate web of contacts with Taliban groups and those connected with the Taliban regime, an external affairs ministry spokesperson said in response to questions.
These reports need to be properly investigated, she said, adding that New Delhi will be concerned about the outcome of these investigations and hopes that Pakistan will cooperate. Her remarks assume significance in the wake of reports of two Pakistani nuclear scientists conducting long conversations with Osama bin Laden on nuclear, chemical and biological weapons in august this year and two other Pakistani nuclear scientists taking sanctuary in Myanmar.
It is believed bin laden has tried to obtain the materials and knowledge to make nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, but there is no evidence that he succeeded.
The two scientists, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood and Abdul Majid, reportedly met bin Laden and three Al-Qaeda officials over two or three days at a compound in Kabul in August.
Bureau Report