ISLAMABAD, April 10: The government on Saturday released two officials of the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and one businessman who were detained for 'debriefing' for their possible links in the nuclear proliferation.

The released officials are the security in charge of the KRL Brig Tajwar, an engineer Dr Naseemuddin and Aizaz Jaffery, a businessman who was said to be a close associate of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of Pakistan's nuclear programme.

When contacted, Director-General of Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) Maj-Gen Shaukat Sultan confirmed that the three 'persons' had been released. "They were released from Rawalpindi on Friday night. For the time being they are not required for questioning any more," he said.

Answering a question, the DG ISPR said: "Their release does not mean whether a guilt has been established against them or not. That judgment will subsequently come once the investigations are complete in all respects. If required they may be called for further questioning."

Federal Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed confirmed the release of the three but refused to give any further information. "They have been released for the time being. I don't have any further information. The DG ISPR knows better on this issue," the information minister said.

Brig Tajwar and Dr Naseemuddin, the two KRL employees were detained for 'debriefing' in December 2003 while Aizaz Jaffery, a businessman, was detained a little later for his close business contacts with Dr Khan.

The released officials of the KRL or their families could not be reached for their comments.

Four other scientists and officials of the KRL, the uranium enrichment facility, remained under detention and Maj-Gen Sultan said they were still being required for questioning, adds AFP.