A panel of specialist doctors have found eminent nuclear scientist and father of Pakistan s nuclear bomb Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan in high spirits and excellent state of health, Pakistan Army said. It has been the policy of the government to keep the public informed about the state of Khan s health, the Inter Services Public Relations said in a statement. It added that the matter being of public interest has been kept transparent. Unfortunately, the statement said, speculative stories continue to appear in a section of the press despite government s assurances. As an update on the latest state of the health of Khan, who is under detention, the following report of by the expert panel of specialists looking after Khan is being reproduced verbatim for general information of the public: Dr AQ Khan was examined by a team of doctors, including Dr Farhat Abbas, Dr Kamran Majeed, Dr Saeed Akhtar and Lt-Gen (retd) Riaz Ahmed Chowhan, as a follow up evaluation of the recent surgery for prostate cancer. The team of doctors found Dr AQ Khan in high spirits and in excellent state of health having satisfactory recovery from prostate cancer surgery two months ago. Except for the minor complication of deep vein thrombosis involving only the left calf vein, which is now resolved with medical treatment, his post operative course has been satisfactory. His prostate surgery specimen and pelvic lymph nodes was reviewed by a panel of expert pathologists and it reveals that the prostate cancer was confined to the prostate gland with no evidence of spread outside the gland. The pelvic lymph nodes showed no evidence of spread of cancer. The entire surgical resection margins were clear of cancer. As a follow up at six weeks after the surgery, the serum prostate specific antigen (PSA-prostate cancer marker) was found to be undetectable indicating successful removal of the entire cancer. The team of doctors expressed their full satisfaction over smooth recovery of Dr AQ Khan and were pleased to see him in high spirits. In view of this undetectable PSA level and most favourable biopsy report, there is no need for any additional prostate cancer related treatment. He will be followed on a periodic basis. It has been signed by Dr Farhat Abbas, Dr Saeed Akhtar and Dr Kamran Majeed. It is reiterated that Dr AQ Khan is being provided with the best of medical care, as per his own and family s desire. It is hoped that the report of the doctors will put an end to speculations about his health.
