Beijing: Asserting that Pakistan never "favoured" terrorism anywhere in the world as it is a "victim of terrorism" itself, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on March 30 said Islamabad will continue to support the global war on terror network.

"Pakistan has never favoured terrorism. We have always fought against terrorism," Jamali told the state-run China central television (CCTV-1) in an interview.

Describing Pakistan as a "victim of terrorism", Jamali, who concluded his maiden official visit to China on March 26, said Islamabad has never been a part of terrorism or supported it.

"Pakistan has itself been a victim of terrorism. So terrorism anywhere in the world, we have never appreciated, we were never a part of it, we will never be a part of it," he said.

"Whatever is our contribution is to the fight against terrorism, Pakistan will continue that policy and we will keep on helping people, countries and even protect ourselves as far as terrorism is concerned," he said.

Interestingly, there was no question on the Indo-Pak issue during the 15-minute show on the Chinese television network.

Asked whether the world's most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden is alive or dead, Jamali quickly intervened to say that God only knows about it.

"Before you go to the question whether bin Laden is alive or not, only God knows it. We don't know whether bin Laden is alive or not. He (God) is one who gives life and he is one who takes the life," Jamali said.

"As far as bin Laden is concerned, we will look towards Allah whenever or whatever happens. We in Pakistan, it is not our cup of tea as far as bin Laden is concerned. Absolutely, it is not our cup of tea," the Pakistani Premier said amid reports that bin Laden is hiding somewhere in Pakistan or on the Pak-Afghanistan border.

Asked about generous American aid flowing into Pakistan, an issue that is causing concern in Beijing, Jamali expressed his surprise that China should be concerned about the US aid flow into Pakistan.

"Why should it be a matter of concern for others, for China at least?" Jamali quipped.

Analysts say China is concerned by the growing presence of the United States in Pakistan and increased American aid and weaponry to Islamabad would lead to diminishing Chinese influence in Pakistan and even in South Asia.

In his response, Jamali also welcomed the latest US gesture to waive sanctions imposed on Pakistan after the military coup in 2000.

"A good gesture is always appreciated," he said.

"Let me assure you one thing that foreign policy is a system which continues, defence policy is a system which continues, economic is a policy which continues. Continuity is the name of the game," he said, reassuring China that Pakistan will remain an "all weather" friend.

PTI