The intricate details of how Pakistan’s nuclear program was compromised through leaks by its own celebrated scientist, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, have been unveiled by former CIA operations chief James Loller. Loller detailed the clandestine activities where Khan allegedly funneled sensitive nuclear technology and classified information to other countries, creating significant global security apprehension. He stated that CIA Director George Tenet personally informed then-President Pervez Musharraf about Khan’s activities, backed by conclusive evidence. This evidence indicated Khan was supplying crucial nuclear technology to nations such as Libya, thereby creating a substantial threat to world peace.
President Musharraf’s reaction to the intelligence was reportedly furious, with Loller recalling Musharraf’s extreme anger and threats against Khan, which led to Khan’s prolonged house arrest. Khan’s notoriety stemmed from years of controversy surrounding his alleged role in nuclear technology proliferation and the operation of clandestine networks, leading to his arrest in 2004. He later admitted to his involvement in the smuggling operations but also accused former President Musharraf and ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto of being aware.
Loller revealed that the CIA’s diligent surveillance efforts proved that Khan was not only instrumental in Pakistan becoming a nuclear power but was also simultaneously dispatching vital nuclear information overseas. This consistent pattern of clandestine activity earned him the notorious nickname “the Merchant of Death” from Loller. The scope of Khan’s illicit network was far-reaching, impacting Iran’s nuclear program through the provision of P1 and P2 centrifuge designs. Furthermore, his network was implicated in smuggling ballistic missile data and blueprints for a Chinese nuclear weapon. Loller issued a grave warning about the potential consequences, stating that Iran achieving nuclear capability could usher in a catastrophic “nuclear pandemic” across the Middle East.