"His health is declining. He suffers from high blood pressure and had a mild heart attack about two months ago. The facilities for his treatment are not reliable," the petition, filed by lawyer Mohammed Ikram Chaudhry, on behalf of one Hassamul Haq yesterday, said.

The government, however, said Khan, at present under house detention, undergoes regular medical checkups and is in good health.

Chaudhry has demanded constitution of a medical board, with two doctors of Khan's choice, to examine his health.

Claiming that Khan's health was "constantly declining", the petition said the top scientist recently had high blood pressure, suffered a stroke and fell unconscious. Chaudhry also claimed that Khan was "psychologically disturbed" by his confinement.

Pakistan's nuclear bazaar

The petitioner also pleaded for an early hearing of Khan's main petition vis-a-vis the "protected confinement", saying his life and liberty were in constant danger, 'The Dawn' reported.

The petition urged the Court to direct the state authorities to produce Khan before the Supreme Court or submit a report of the medical board regarding his health and safety.

Khan played a key role in developing Pakistan's nuclear bomb. He was detained after he confessed that he sold weapons technology to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

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