Author:
Publications: The Navhind Times,
Panaji, Goa
Dated: October 31, 2001
ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (PTI): Pakistan
has handed over three retired nuclear scientists accused of having links
with terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden to United States authorities
for investigations, media reports here said today.
Among those handed over is Mr. Sultan
Bashiruddin Mahmood, Pakistan's retired top nuclear scientist.
Mr Mahmood, along with two of his
retired colleagues - former chief engineer of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission,
Mr. Abdul Majeed, and former PAEC scientist, Mr. Mirza Yousaf - have been
handed over to a joint team of Federal Bureau of Investigation and Central
Intelligence Agency officials for further investigations, the Pakistan
Observer daily reported.
Meanwhile, India hoped Pakistan
would not allow its nuclear arsenal to fall into 'wrong hands,' as is being
widely feared by the international community in the wake of strong protests
by Islamic militant groups against the military regime over its support
to the United States-led campaign in Afghanistan.