Thursday, July 27 2006 11:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan would cooperate with India to root out terrorism but would pay back in the same coin if any 'punitive action' was initiated against it in pursuit of terrorists, President Pervez Musharraf has said.

"Nobody should have this wishful thinking that Pakistan will bear any kind of adventure inside its territory. No one is there who can take any punitive action against Pakistan, as its defence is in strong hands," Musharraf was quoted as saying by Pakisan's Online news agency.

This was stated by the Pakistan President while inaugurating an oil refinery and laying the foundation stone for a liquid cargo terminal at Port Qasim near Karachi on Tuesday (July 25, 2006).

"Nobody should be under any illusion or cast an evil eye at us or talk of punitive action," he said referring to reports in the Pakistani media in this regard.

The news agency reported that Musharraf said his country was ready to cooperate with India to root out terrorism.

For the last few days, Pakistani leaders and officials have been referring to Pakistani media reports about the possibility of India carrying out punitive strikes or hot pursuit of terrorists. The references were to 'some reports' from India without specifying who actually said what.

On Monday, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, in response to a question about such 'reports', also said, "Nobody should make (this) mistake.Pakistan will not allow hot pursuit into its territory".