AQ Khan's political party registered to contest Pak election

Khan, 76, was placed under house arrest in 2004 after he confessed on state-run television to running a clandestine nuclear proliferation ring that provided technology and know-how to countries like Libya and North Korea.

However, he is regarded as a hero in Pakistan for his role in the programme to develop nuclear weapons.

In 2009, the government eased restrictions on Khan on the orders of a court.

He set up the Tehrik-e-Tahaffuz Pakistan in July as part of a campaign against corruption.

There was earlier considerable speculation that the nuclear scientist might ally himself with cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf party.

Khan has not been able to attract large crowds at rallies and meetings organised by his party though he continues to interact with students at educational institutions across the country.

Khan also writes a column for a leading English daily.

A spokesman for the Tehrik-e-Tahaffuz Pakistan said it was yet to be decided whether Khan himself would contest the upcoming polls, which are expected to be held in May.