The AQ Khan network is "out of business", the United States said while also acknowledging Pakistan's measures to prevent the scientist from engaging in the kind of activities he was previously involved. "To my knowledge, the network as we knew it is out of business," State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack told a regular briefing.
In response to a question vis-vis "holding the scientist accountable," the spokesman noted the Pakistani authorities "have taken steps to prevent his engaging in those kinds of further activities."
The spokesman remarked in answer to another question that everything about activities of the network is not known and described it as a matter of interest.
Meanwhile, two American experts, testifying at a Congressional hearing echoed the US position, saying they know no evidence suggesting that the network is still operating. Answering questions from lawmakers both Mark Fitzpatrick, a former State Department official and currently a senior fellow for non-proliferation at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and Lisa Curtis, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, corroborated the US administration's view as they stated they know of no indications or information that the network is still operative.
Lisa Curtis, replying to questions at the House sub-committee on the Middle East, South Asia and the sub-committee on terrorism, non-proliferation and trade, called for US cooperation with Pakistan for nuclear safety and security. "Washington needs to maintain a robust partnership with Islamabad based on mutual trust and understanding," she said while also urging cooperation in encouraging India-Pakistan peace talks and other fields.
Pakistan's nuclear programme, she told legislators, is driven primarily by its security concerns. She also noted that there is a genuine concern in Pakistan that India will take advantage of the US-civil nuclear deal to expand its weapons programme.