AQ Khan-like security proposed for Musharraf

[LRE]

AQ Khan-like security proposed for Musharraf



Sunday, August 17, 2008
By Rauf Klasra

ISLAMABAD: Henny Khan, the wife of AQ Khan, has proposed to the Gilani government to put President Pervez Musahrraf under house arrest in the name of his "security" as was done in the case of her husband Dr A Q Khan in 2004.

Commenting on the frequent reports that the issue of security of Musharraf had become a pain in the neck of not only the Pakistani government but even for three major countries -- the US, the UK and Saudi Arabia -- she said that the whole issue could be resolved within seconds by following the recipe which he had proposed in 2004 for her husband who suffered the ordeal of long detention in his house.

Her sharp comments have come against the backdrop of reports that the resignation of Musharraf was being delayed only because of one consideration, "how to protect the life of the president after he quits".

In a communication made to The News, Henny Khan has wondered that much has been written in the local newspapers about the problems of Gen (retd) Musharraf's security should he remain in Pakistan when he is no longer the president.

"There is one very easy solution that nobody seems to have thought of. Simply put him under house arrest for 'his own security' in the same way as he had done to Dr A Q Khan. Problem solved!"

Earlier, when Dr A Q Khan was detained in his house after his public apology in a televised address to the nation, it was claimed that he was detained because his life was under threat.

After the February general elections, Dr A Q Khan recently claimed that General Musharraf and Ch Shujaat Hussain had made certain commitments with him before making him to agree to his alleged crimes in the name of the national interest.

After initial acceptance of the sorry fate of Dr Khan in detention, the family members and friends of Dr Khan had gradually started agitating against the restrictions placed on his movement.

Every time a defiant voice to free Dr Khan was heard, an immediate reply came from the government that his life was in a danger and he could not be allowed free movement.

This time tested methodology worked quite successfully till recently when after the general elections, Dr Khan found the opportunity to go public and give his side of the story.

But he was silenced again after the court orders passed on a petition. He was banned from talking to anyone from the media. Even today, Dr Khan continues to be in detention at the hands of the government agencies.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=130381