ISLAMABAD, Feb 4: The detained officials of Khan Research Laboratories say they have not violated any law, and that whatever they did was in their official capacity, according to the account of their relatives.

At a press conference on Wednesday by Khans' Release Liaison Committee, formed by KRL officials' relatives, the officials were quoted to have told their near and dear ones during an Eid-day meeting that the security officials had handed them over a letter issued on January 31, 2004.

The order, issued by the interior ministry, said it had been informed the officials were engaged in activities prejudicial to the defence, external affairs and security of Pakistan. Therefore, it is necessary that they be detained.

The federal government, in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (b) of sub-section 'd' of section 3 of the Security of Pakistan Act, 1952, detained these officials, initially for three months.

These relatives of the detained officials said that similar orders had been served on Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.

Dr Shafique, son of Brig (retd) Sajawal Khan, said his father told him that he had committed no wrong, and that KRL always acted on government policy.

"My father told the family members, in the presence of ISI officials, that he had not committed any wrong and that he was proud of Dr A.Q. Khan for his achievements."

Brig (retd) Sajawal, in charge of KRL security, was quoted by his son to have said that Dr Qadeer Khan could not be alleged for stealing his own capability.

Hasamul Haq, brother of Maj (retd) Islamul Haq, principal staff officer of Dr Khan, said the government media was airing a statement of Dr Khan, asking for an apology. They said the apology was secured under duress.

Usman Nazir, son of Dr Nazir Ahmad, told reporters that his father broke down in his meeting with the family. He said his father told them that he always followed orders.

Asif Farooq, son of Dr Farooq, said his father, under detention for the last 65 days, saw sunlight for the first time on Monday. He said his father looked very weak and depressed.

Jamil Abbasi, a political worker, and a resident of Bani Gala, said he met Dr A.Q. Khan three times during the last fifteen days. Mr Abbasi said that Dr Khan told him that reports about his property "were baseless and motivated."Mr Abbasi said that Dr Khan believed that he was being made a scapegoat.