24 February 2004	Tuesday	03 Muharram 1425

LAHORE, Feb 23: Opposition members belonging to the MMA, the six-party religious alliance, staged a token walkout from the Punjab Assembly session here on Monday to protest 'humiliation' of nuclear scientists.

Immediately after the 14th session of the house began with recitation from the Holy Quran at 11.30am, MMA's Asghar Gujjar stood on a point of order and criticized the federal government for disgracing Dr Abdul Qadeer by making him tender apology to the masses for alleged nuclear proliferation.

Mr Gujjar alleged that all steps against Dr Khan were being taken at the behest of the US. Demanding immediate release of the father of the country's nuclear programme and an end to one-sided propaganda against him, the MMA leader said Dr Khan should be allowed public appearance for clarifying the propaganda against him.

PPP's Rana Aftab urged the chair to allow an in-camera debate on the nuclear programme, like in the Senate. Law minister Raja Basharat denied that Dr Khan was under house arrest or had been imprisoned.

Acknowledging the nuclear scientist's services for the defence of the country, he, however, said none should be taken above law of the land. He said as the matter was sub judice it must not be discussed in the house.

PML-N's Rana Sanaullah regretted that the national hero had been made to seek forgiveness from those who had been facing corruption charges in the NAB courts, but had been given relief by the rulers to seek their support in government formation.