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Apprehensive Pakistan backs candidature of Zahir Shah

Apparently apprehensive of an anti-Pakistan force assuming power in Afghanistan, President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday pitted his support behind former King Zahir Shah, saying there seemed to be 'no alternative'.

"The people of Afghanistan need to find their leader themselves. The figurehead King Zahir Shah may be an acceptable single leader at the moment. There is no other alternative visible at the moment," the Pakistan President told Fox TV in an interview.

To a question on Inter Services Intelligence support to Taleban, he said although his country had association with the Islamic militia of Afghanistan, 'it does not mean that they listen to us and we control everything'.

Asked whether he feared threats from extremist elements in the country following his support to the US-led coalition against the Taleban, Musharraf said, "His staff was more concerned on this aspect."

He said there were only a 'few extremists' and these elements could be dangerous.

"Even one individual can cause danger," he added.

On the international fears that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal could fall into the hands of extremists and fundamentalists, Musharraf said he was 'confident' that nothing of that sort would happen.

"We have a control and command arrangement. We have evolved an effective system and these arsenal are in custodial control," he said, adding the nuclear weapons were in 'safe hands'.

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