A shocking revelation

Notwithstanding that, there is however substance in Dr Khan’s argument that the confession he made in 2004 was in national interest aimed at saving the country and that it was the then ruling party’s leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain who asked him to step forward and accept responsibility. There should be little doubt that this was yet another of Dr Khan’s great services rendered to the nation. Likewise, one cannot help but sympathise with his grouse that the promises the government made in return for that favour were not honoured. On the contrary the government subjected him to a treatment that was below the belt. By all accounts, it was not the right manner of dealing with a man who is viewed as a national hero.

At the same time Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar’s worry that the quarrel could assume extravagant proportions is to be seen in the context of the international scenario where much concern is usually expressed about our nuclear programme. Airing of sensitive issues in public could have severe repercussions for the country and may prove counterproductive. Since Dr Khan in his interview said that his side of the story was not yet complete and that he would bring much more to the public’s notice, the current debate is far from over. However, it is the duty of the government to have a modus vivendi with him to take the issue to put the issue to rest.