Turkish Gen voices fears over Pakistan

“I hope Pakistan reaches stability in a short time,” Buyukanit told the conference.

In particular, Buyukanit spoke of concern that if President Pervez Musharraf lost his grip on the country, Pakistan could fall into the hands of a resurgent Taliban.

On Sunday, Musharraf’s political opponents, who dominated February 18 elections, agreed to form a government, heightening expectations that the unpopular Musharraf could be on the way out.

The president’s rivals also promised to restore judges whom Musharraf had dismissed after they questioned the legality of his continuing in office. The judges’ dismissal set off protests by lawyers that turned into a pro-democracy movement.

The president also faces pressure from Islamic militants, who have increase attacks since the election. Taliban fighters have also expanded their reach beyond the border with Afghanistan, raising international concern about the security of the country’s nuclear arsenal.

Buyukanit said an institution like the Taliban “could control Pakistan if the current administration becomes ineffective” and this could result in a terrorist organization gaining control of nuclear arms for the first time.

Pakistani officials have offered assurances that the weapons are secure. In January, the operational chief in charge of the arsenal, Khalid Kidwai, told reporters that Pakistan has 10,000 soldiers to keep the weapons safe and has received up to $10 million in US assistance to enhance security.

Musharraf, who spent part of his childhood in Turkey, has close ties with the predominantly Muslim but secular country.