Pakistani scientist admits leaking secrets

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- The father of Pakistan's atomic bomb has admitted giving nuclear secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

The BBC reported Monday Pakistani officials say Dr. A.Q. Kahn and four other scientists have confessed to leaking state nuclear secrets during the 1980s and 1990s.

The disclosure follows Khan's dismissal Saturday as a governmental science adviser.

The BBC said if the reports of Khan's confession are confirmed, authorities would have to decide whether to prosecute him -- a move that could spark widespread public anger.

The inquiry involving Khan began two months ago after the United Nations gave Pakistan information it had gathered about Iran and Libya's nuclear programs.

More than 15 people from the country's premier nuclear enrichment facility, Khan Research Laboratories, have been questioned so far and five scientists and officials are still in custody.