ISLAMABAD, Feb 6: The Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court was approached on Friday for the release of nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.

Hasamul Haq, brother of Islamul Haq, the detained principal staff officer of Dr Khan, filed a habeas corpus petition in the LHC and pleaded that the court declare the scientist's detention illegal and unconstitutional.

The petitioner stated that he had seen Dr Khan's house surrounded by police and armymen. He said that when he tried to contact Dr Khan, he was not allowed to see him. The petitioner prayed that Dr Khan's movement should also not be restricted.