Pakistani authorities have detained two former government nuclear scientists amid fears about their links with Afghanistan's Taleban rulers.
Sultan Bashiruddin Mehmood and Chaudry Abdul Majid were detained this week, when Pakistani authorities began investigating contacts between Mr. Mehmood's relief agency and Taleban officials.
However, the French Press Agency quoted a Pakistani spokesman as saying the government is not concerned that the scientists may have divulged nuclear secrets.
Earlier, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said his administration has taken appropriate steps to ensure that the country's nuclear assets do not fall into the hands of Islamic fundamentalists.
Western governments have warned that alleged terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden - who remains in Afghanistan under the Taleban's protection - is capable of further terrorist attacks.
The Times of London reported today (Friday) that mr. bin Laden's al-Qaida network has acquired nuclear materials for possible use in terrorist acts against the West. The report citing intelligence sources said Mr. bin Laden probably obtained nuclear material illegally from Pakistan.