Former CIA operations chief James Loller has revealed the dramatic extent to which Pakistan’s nuclear program was compromised by illicit leaks orchestrated by its top scientist, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. Loller detailed how Khan secretly transferred sensitive nuclear technology and classified knowledge to various nations, sparking global security concerns. According to Loller, CIA Director George Tenet presented then-President Pervez Musharraf with irrefutable evidence of Khan’s clandestine dealings, which included supplying crucial nuclear technology to countries like Libya. This intelligence breach posed a significant threat to international stability.
Upon learning of Khan’s activities, President Musharraf reportedly reacted with extreme anger, even threatening Khan’s life. Subsequently, Khan was placed under house arrest for several years. Khan’s involvement in nuclear proliferation and illicit networks had been a subject of controversy for years, leading to his custody in 2004. While he confessed to his role in the smuggling network, he also implicated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and President Musharraf.
Loller explained that the CIA’s prolonged surveillance confirmed Khan was not only developing Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities but simultaneously disseminating vital nuclear information internationally. This dual-dealing led Loller to label Khan “the Merchant of Death.” The reach of Khan’s network extended to Iran’s nuclear program, with evidence suggesting Tehran acquired P1 and P2 centrifuge designs from him. Furthermore, his operations reportedly involved smuggling blueprints for a Chinese atomic bomb and ballistic missile data. Loller issued a stark warning, stating that a nuclear-capable Iran could trigger a devastating “nuclear pandemic” in the Middle East.