ISLAMABAD, Sept 6: Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was flown on Wednesday to Karachi for treatment of prostate cancer at Aga Khan Hospital, sources close to the nuclear scientist told Dawn.

The sources said Dr Khan would undergo a prostate removal surgery in next two to three days and stay in the hospital for a month-long post-operation radiotherapy.

Dr Khan was taken directly to runway from his house in the morning amid tight security. His wife Henny Khan, daughter Dina and granddaughter Tania accompanied Dr Khan. His second daughter Aysha will join him tomorrow, the sources said.

Chief military spokesman Maj-Gen Shaukat Sultan said Dr Khan had been shifted to Karachi for “radical surgery with his consent and after consultation with the family member and doctors”.

In a press release, he said the government was serious about the health of the nuclear scientist and all facilities were being provided to him.

However, sources at the Aga Khan Hospital did not confirm that Dr Khan had been brought to AKH, adds our staff reporter in Karachi.