US still sees Pak with suspicion: Musharraf

Lahore, Oct.10 (ANI): Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has said that even though the US considers Islamabad as an important ally in its 'war on terror', Washington sees it with suspicion.

Speaking on the National Public Radio's 'Talk of the Nation' programme, Musharraf said Pakistan continues to face an 'existential threat' from India.

He, however, said establishing peace in the region was both a ' requirement, and a compulsion' for the two neighbouring states.

Musharraf stressed that the US should not hold back Pakistan from taking 'essential measures' in response to the threat of an attack from India.

Defending the Pakistan Army's stance over the controversial Kerry Lugar Bill, the former general said he supports the Armed Forces in their objection.

It is worth mentioning here that the Pakistan Army has objected to the terms and conditions attached with the bill, terming them as 'humiliating' for the country.

The bill clearly states that the huge monetary assistance being provided could be scrapped if the country fails to root out militancy from its soil. It also mentions that banned outfits such as the LeT,Taliban and Al Qaeda, which operate from within Pakistan's geographical boundaries should be weeded out of the region.

When asked about the international concerns over Pakistan's nuclear assets, Musharraf said country's nuclear weapons were in safe hands and well guarded.He added that the nukes are controlled by a command authority led by the country's President, Prime Minister and the military's top brass.

"Politically, Pakistan cannot in the foreseeable future be ruled by an extremist group that sympathises with the terrorists," The Daily Times quoted Musharraf, as saying. (ANI)