QUETTA, Feb 6: Supporters and workers of the Jamiat Ulema Islam on Friday staged a protest demonstration against the nuclear scientists' detention.

Protestors, led by MMA leader Maulana Noor Mohammad and Balochistan Minister for Local Government Hafiz Hussain Ahmed Shorady, started the rally from the city's central mosque.

They were carrying placards and banners inscribed slogans against the government and in favour of the nuclear scientists. They also chanted slogans against Gen Pervez Musharraf and his government.

Later, they gathered in front of Quetta Press Club where the JUI leaders addressed them. MNA Maulana Noor Mohammad criticized the government's move to detain nuclear scientists, saying they had made Pakistan a nuclear power, ensuring the country's security.

He said that it was shameful for the whole nation that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was being punished for something he did not do.

He said that President Musharraf had taken action against nuclear scientists just to save some army generals, who, he said, were involved in selling the nuclear technology to other countries.

He accused the government of having forced Dr Qadeer to accept the entire responsibility for the affair, saying the people did not believe that Dr Qadeer was in any way involved in nuclear proliferation. "He is the hero of Pakistani nation and will always retain this status."