New Delhi: Although Pakistan enjoys good relations with the US, the ties between them are expected to be unstable till 2010, according to strategic experts of India and Pakistan.

In a report, the experts also warn that if the US campaign in Afghanistan and Iraq gets prolonged, the rifts within the Pakistan Army will become pronounced and could lead to a military coup against President Pervez Musharraf for his support to the Americans.

"Because of Pakistan's geographical location, the US will need it on and off. Pakistan will always need the US for its economic and military strength. However, they will find each other a liability at times," the report of the International Centre for Peace Initiative (ICPI) says.

"Pakistan-US relations can be expected to be unstable till 2010," it says.

The ICPI report, "Shifting Sands - Instability in Undefined Asia", also notes that the greatest instability that Pakistan will face will be with regard to its immediate neighbour because of its new conflict with Afghanistan and traditional rivalry with India.

Visualising the prospects of Pakistan over the next 10 years, it says the length and aftermath of Afghan and Iraq war will have considerable impact on its foreign relations.

"Today there is tactical co-operation between Pakistan and US because of Afghan war. Once the war is over, from the US point of view, there will be some fickle concern about a couple of terrorists groups operating with Pakistan that pose a threat to India. However, groups that are a threat to Western interests will be the serious bone of contention."

PTI