Would stand by Pakistan if it is attacked by anyone: Karzai

Islamabad, Oct 23: After being critical of Pakistan over its links with Taliban militants, Afghan President Hamid Karzai has now said his country would stand by Islamabad in the event of hostilities with any nation, including the United States or India.

"God forbid, if at any time there is a war between Pakistan and America, then we will be with Pakistan," Karzai said in an interview with Pakistan's Geo News, excerpts of which were aired by the channel.[Read More: Will work closely with US, India and Europe: Karzai]

Asked specifically if Afghanistan would back Pakistan if it was attacked by India, Karzai replied: "Anybody that attacks Pakistan, Afghanistan will stand with Pakistan. Afghanistan will be a brother of Pakistan. Afghanistan will never betray a brother". Karzai's comments came against the backdrop of increased tensions between Pakistan and the US on the issue of tackling terrorist groups like the Haqqani network, which use bases in Pakistan's tribal belt to carry out attacks on US and allied forces in Afghanistan.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the US did not intend to act unilaterally against groups like the Haqqani network but called on Pakistan to act within "days and weeks" to "squeeze" the Taliban faction.

When Karzai was asked what he would do if there was a war between Pakistan and India, he replied: "If Pakistan is attacked by anyone, and if the people of Pakistan need Afghanistan's help, Afghanistan will be there with you".

Kazrai had been critical of Pakistan's role after the assassination of former president and peace envoy Burhanuddin Rabbani.

The Afghan President even said that the Taliban will not be able to move a finger without Pakistani support.

PTI