Pakistan President appeals for unity

The president of Pakistan, General Musharraf, has today appealed to his divided nation for support over his decision to help the US in the current crisis.

He said no plans are ready yet for a US-led attack but confirmed that America had asked for cooperation on three fronts: intelligence and information exchange, the use of Pakistani airspace and logistical support.

The president said he has asked for evidence of Osama bin Laden's guilt.

General Musharraf warned that Pakistan is facing its ‘most critical time’ since 1971, when it won its independence from India.

That country was one of a number of hostile states engaging in anti-Islamic and anti-Pakistani-propaganda.

In English, General Musharraf warned those states to ‘lay off’.

Acknowledging the deep anger among his own people at his decision to help America, he said if Pakistan made the ‘wrong decision’, it would be disastrous for the security of country.

"I don’t want us to get hurt,’ he said. "We have to take the choice of least risk for Pakistan."