Musharraf denies misuse of US aid

Days after former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf's statement that Islamabad had diverted United States' aid to strengthen its defence against India was splashed in the media all over, the former general has denied allegations of misuse of army equipment, saying the media has highlighted a 'non-issue.'

Dr Nasim Ashraf, one of Musharraf's close friends, told a private television channel that the former President has categorically denied misuse of any US military aid during his regime.

Ashraf said it was wrong to say that the Pakistan army had violated the agreement regarding the equipments supplied by the US.

"If a unit stationed in Waziristan moved to Kashmir, the equipment would move with it, which was not a violation of the agreement," The Daily Times quoted Ashraf, as saying.

Responding to a question he said Musharraf would return to Pakistan as soon as his lecture tour is finished. It is worth mentioning here that in an interview to a Pakistani news channel earlier this week, Musharraf had admitted that he had violated the rules governing the use of the military aid, but justified his action, saying he had "acted in the best interest of Pakistan."