Lahore, Mar 7: Former Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif has demanded the immediate release of nuclear scientist Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and former Balochistan chief minister Akhtar Mengal.

He said that now since democratic forces had succeeded in the country, there was no logic behind keeping the duo under house arrest.

Expressing concern at reports that both the nuclear scientist former CM were ailing, he said in a statement that they should be released and provided with the best of health facilities.

"The whole nation is worried about the deteriorating health of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan," the Daily Times quoted Nawaz as saying.

He further said that Dr Khan should be immediately released so that he can have treatment from doctors of his choice. He said that detention and mental pressure were the main causes of his health problems.

Pleading for Mengal’s release, Nawaz said, "After the success of democratic forces in the elections, there is no logic for using such dictatorial tactics." (ANI)