Restrictions lifted on Pakistani scientist

LAHORE, Pakistan, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Pakistan lifted remaining restrictions Friday on movements of a rogue scientist who had confessed to selling nuclear technology to several countries.

The Pakistan government's action freeing metallurgist Abdul Qadeer Khan of the last restrictions that remained from a house arrest imposed in 2004 came in response to a decision by a court in Pakistan, The New York Times reported. Khan has complained the restrictions made him feel "like a prisoner."

American officials suspect Khan sold the nuclear technology to Iran, Libya and North Korea, and the Obama administration had said it was "exceedingly concerned" about Khan and whether the restrictions that had remained on him were strong enough, the Times said.

In February, a court in Islamabad lifted Khan's house arrest. But the government of Pakistan told the United States it would keep monitoring him and retain some restrictions.

Before Friday's decision, the remaining restrictions had required approval to visit family and friends or travel in the country and had prohibited travel outside the country.