Pakistan has arrested a businessman, believed to be a close associate of the architect of its nuclear programme A Q Khan, in connection with the probe into clandestine nuclear sales to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

Aizaz Jafri was under arrest for 'quite some time' and is being investigated because of his links with Khan, Pakistan defence spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan told reporters in Islamabad.

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Jafri operates a licensed posh entertainment spot called 'Hot Shots' in Islamabad and always boasted of close contacts with Khan.

Sultan confirmed the report by local daily Dawn, which quoted officials as saying that Jafri had been arrested.

"He was a business partner and an intermediary working for Dr Khan. He worked as an emissary between Dr Khan and Iran," the report had said.

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