Islamabad: Vowing that Pakistan would never give up Kashmir, President Pervez Musharraf has said he would convey his country's stand in this regard to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in "unequivocal terms" when they meet in New York later this month.

"We will not give up Kashmir, we have fought wars over it. Pakistan will have to ensure the interest of Kashmiris. I will meet Manmohan Singh (on September 22) and tell him in unequivocal terms about our stand on the issue. We will not give up Kashmir," he told a meeting of Army officers and soldiers at a 'Garrison Darbar' in Quetta yesterday (Sep 11, 2004).

However, Musharraf said there was general apprehension in outside world that whatever was happening in Afghanistan and Kashmir was originating from Pakistan. Pakistan is also being accused of nuclear proliferation, he said, adding Pakistanis are generally considered extremists devoid of tolerance.

"Wherever I go I am faced with these questions. I have been refuting their charges but they stick to their opinion about our people," Musharraf said.

Cautioning that Pakistan has to face serious consequences if it failed to correct its image, he said, "If the world is not satisfied with our explanation we could be subjected to bombardment. The European community could withdraw trade concessions on our textile industry from which the country earns Rs 60 billion in foreign exchange through exports.

"It would result in closure of 50 per cent textile mills in the country. Economic sanctions may also be imposed and no country would trade with us. Finally our nuclear capability could also come under attack. We have to dispel these negative impressions about our country."

Stressing that Pakistan's future should be given foremost priority; Musharraf said, "The country comes first. Pakistan is our entity. We have to save ourselves, achieve economic development, enhance our defence capabilities and move ahead with the rest of the world."

About sending Pakistani troops to Iraq, he said the country would not send its soldiers under prevailing conditions in that country, but would consider it when other countries, specially India send troops.