Two retired Pakistani nuclear scientists detained on suspicion of links with Osama Bin Laden's terrorist network have been released, the chief government spokesman said on Thursday.
Government spokesman General Rashid Quereshi confirmed that Sultan Bashir-ud-Din Mehmood and Abdul Majid had been freed but would not say when.
Both worked for Pakistan's Atomic Energy Commission until 1999 and were detained last month for questioning. Both had made frequent trips to Afghanistan, government officials said.
The two scientists denied passing any nuclear secrets to the Taliban or Bin Laden. They maintained their visits to Afghanistan were in connection with a charity organisation which worked with farmers and students in Afghanistan. Neither man has been charged with any offense, and Pakistani officials said there was nothing to suggest that they passed on nuclear information or materials to anyone in Afghanistan.
However, Pakistani officials said that the two met Bin Laden at least twice during visits to Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar in connection with the construction of a flour mill. Pakistan has nuclear weapons, and until the September 11 terror attacks, supported Afghanistan's ruling Taliban movement. The Taliban have harboured Bin Laden and his al-Qaida network, suspected in the attacks on New York and Washington. But Pakistan insists it has not leaked nuclear information or material, and that its nuclear weapons remain well protected. Bureau Report