ISLAMABAD, Aug 22: Nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan has been found to be suffering from prostrate cancer, the government said on Tuesday. In a routine medical examination of the architect of Pakistan’s nuclear programme early this month, tests revealed slightly raised level of serum prostrate specific atigen (PSA), an official spokesman said.

Immediately, a detailed examination was conducted at the KRL hospital to ensure an accurate diagnosis, including ultrasound and guided biopsy. The test results were also analysed by at least two leading histopathologists.

The spokesman said the results had indicated adino carcinoma (cancer) of prostrate, adding that further investigations were being conducted by a board of doctors.

Since the health condition of Dr A. Q. Khan is of public interest, the government would like to assure that best medical care was being provided to Dr Khan in consultation with his family and personal doctors. The public would be kept informed from time to time about his condition whenever necessary, the spokesman said.

On Jan 31, 2004, Dr Khan was removed as adviser to the prime minister on strategic programme with the status of a federal minister, following allegations of his involvement in the transfer of nuclear technology. A special meeting of the National Command Authority, presided over by President Gen Pervez Musharraf, had taken the decision.

Dr Khan, 66, had been appointed adviser to the government after he had retired as the head of the Khan Research Laboratories in March 2001.

On Feb 5, 2004, Gen Musharraf had announced to pardon Dr Khan.

In early 2004, former information minister Shaikh Rashid Ahmad had claimed that investigations against Dr Khan had been conducted on the basis of a letter written to the Pakistan government by the IAEA.