N-mess: Gen says scientists free, secretive

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf spoke about his country’s covert nuclear weapons programme today. ‘‘Covert meant scientists moved around with full autonomy in a secretive manner,’’ Musharraf told reporters at a breakfast meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

‘‘We are carrying out an in depth investigation and … We will sort out everyone who is involved,’’ Musharraf said. He said the nuclear weapons programme began about 30 years ago and scientists were given ‘‘freedom of action’’ to develop the technology. ‘‘It could succeed only if there was total autonomy and nobody knew. That is how it continued.’’

Meanwhile, probe into the nation’s secret nuclear programme has brought to light former military ruler Zia ul Haq’s approval of a limited cooperation with Iran. At least two scientists exchanged information beyond the limit authorised by the government in the ’80s — The News daily reported.