ISLAMABAD: Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan has been confined to the capital as investigators probe whether the scientists gave away weapons technology, an acquaintance said on Saturday.

Qadeer has been questioned "many times" in recent weeks, said Zahid Malik, author of the book "Islamic Bomb" on Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

"He’s cooperating with the investigation but he’s satisfied that he’s done nothing wrong," said Malik, who met Khan on Thursday. Qadeer is also continuing his work as an adviser in the prime minister’s office, he said. "He’s restricted to Islamabad but goes to his office in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat," he told The Fact.

A government official said on condition of anonymity that "security restrictions may have been increased" on Dr Qadeer, but added that the scientist had "chosen to stay in Islamabad" while "debriefings" of laboratory employees take place.

Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that one KRL scientist, Saeed Mansoor Ahmad, was released late on Saturday and that debriefings might end within a week.

An Interior Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that investigators suspect one scientist and one other person did something for personal gain, but would give no names or further details. "Pakistan’s investigations are vigorous".