US alarmed over Khan's acquittal, remains a probable risk: US official

Washington, Feb.10 (ANI): The United States has expressed grave concern over the acquittal of Pakistani nuclear scientist Dr.A.Q. Khan, and said he (Khan) still remains a possible threat.

Talking to media persons at a regular briefing here, State Department's deputy spokesman Robert Wood said that Washington believes that Khan could once again start his nefarious network and indulge in illegal trade of nuclear techniques.

"We believe he remains a potential proliferation risk," the Dawn quoted Wood, as saying.

Wood said Washington would urge Pakistan to ensure the world that Khan, after his release, would not indulge nuclear proliferation in future.

"We're going to do what we can to try to make sure that the types of activities that have been undertaken in the past don't continue. We're in a dialogue with the Pakistani government about A.Q. Khan, and we remain concerned about the potential that he is for further proliferation," he added.

Showing Washington's discontent over the Islamabad High Court order to release Dr. A.Q. Khan from house arrest, Wood said: "US is very disappointed with the court's decision to release Dr Khan and would continue to follow this issue very closely".

Responding to queries about whether the court's order, to release Khan, would affect last month's US decision of imposing new ban on the scientist and his network, the US official said Washington was firm on its stand and would initiate all steps needed to stop the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to harm innocent lives.

"What's important for us is that non-proliferation activities remain firm and solid. We have to do what we can to make sure that weapons of mass destruction and other types of weapons, that can do harm, are not able to proliferate," Wood said. (ANI)