Pakistani nuclear scientist A Q Khan, under house arrest for the past four years for proliferating atomic technology, was hospitalised on Wednesday after he complained of weakness and ill-health.

Khan was initially provided medical treatment at home after he complained that he was feeling unwell. A check-up revealed that he was suffering from low blood pressure and fever caused by some infection.

Following this, doctors advised his hospitalisation for a detailed check-up.

He was admitted to a hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday morning and doctors treating him said they were hopeful he would return home in the next few days, Dawn News channel reported.

Khan, the father of Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme, had confessed in early 2004 to passing atomic secrets to Iran, North Korea and Libya.