Islamabad, June 4 (IANS) Pakistan's lawmakers have rallied behind disgraced nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan, passing a resolution in the Senate opposing the demand of their US counterparts for the scientist's custody for further interrogation.

Such a demand was an attack on Pakistan's sovereignty, said the resolution.
The resolution was moved by Khurshid Ahmed of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) and signed by leaders of other parties, the Daily Times said.

"This House views with concern, the unwarranted request of some members of the US House of Representatives demanding the handing over of Abdul Qader Khan for interrogation," the resolution said.

"We term this action a blatant violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and integrity, and an interference in our internal affairs. Pakistan's nuclear program is vital to our defense and is not directed against anyone," the resolution claimed.

It further stated: Pakistan is a responsible state and is fully cognizant of its responsibilities in international politics."

"We condemn, in no uncertain terms, the character assassination of Abdul Qader Khan and other scientists, which is an attempt to malign Pakistan's nuclear program. Our scientists enjoy the respect and appreciation of all Pakistanis. Our nation is indebted to them for the remarkable progress that our country has made in the field of nuclear technology and weapons development," the resolution concluded.

The senators condemned "encroachments" into this program and the "double standards of the US government". They said the nuclear programme was a sacred trust on which none of the previous governments had compromised.