Nuclear network dismantled

Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri made the remarks one day after a British newspaper alleged Khan's network may still be in operation. The Guardian report cited an unidentified European Union source.

"Pakistan is very sorry and is very upset and has taken all appropriate action in dismantling the underground network," Kasuri said. "Dr. A.Q. Khan has fallen from the high pedestal that he had," he said, adding that Khan had already been "treated very harshly."

Kasuri was speaking after meeting Taro Aso, the Japanese minister for foreign affairs, in Islamabad.

Khan, the founding father of Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme, acknowledged in February 2004 that he gave sensitive nuclear technology to Iran, North Korea and Libya. President Bush has labeled North Korea and Iran part of an "axis of evil" and analysts say both countries pose a potential nuclear threat.