ISLAMABAD, Jan 30: A spokesman of the Ministry of Interior on Friday clarified a news item published in a section of the press attributing it to Interior Minister Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat.

The statement, which quoted the minister as saying that Dr A.Q. Khan was not a suspect in the transfer of nuclear know-how to any other country, was not correct, the spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, what the minister had actually said was that until the complicated process of investigation was completed, it would be pre-mature to say anything.

"If anyone is found to be involved in any wrongdoing, his deeds would be brought before the nation", he remarked. He said speculation at this stage would not be in the interest of anyone.

The minister had said that among other scientists, Dr A.Q. Khan was also being questioned but as yet he has not been found guilty. The spokesman clarified that once the whole process culminates only then can a conclusion be drawn.-APP