LONDON, Aug 23: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday the US must distance itself from President Gen Pervez Musharraf if it wants to win the fight against terrorism.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Mr Sharif said Washington must actively promote democracy in Pakistan and shift its support away from Musharraf.

“America must support Pakistan. It should not equate Pakistan with Musharraf,” Mr Sharif said at his London office. “It is being perceived (that) America is supporting one man against 150 million people in Pakistan.”

Mr Sharif confirmed that he would seek a third term as prime minister. “If the people of Pakistan elect me to serve the country, I’ll be honoured to do that,” he said.

He said he would return to Pakistan soon, but gave no specific dates. The former prime minister said a committee from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz would meet in London in the next few days to decide on plans, he added.

Mr Sharif said he had a cordial relationship with the US during his two terms in office, but warned that the US must reconsider its relationship with Pakistan.

He said only a democratic government can successfully tackle extremism in Pakistan, adding that Musharraf’s dictatorship would remain unable to root out the problem.

“In any democracy you can find such menaces, but if a democracy fights terrorism, ultimately it will win the battle,” he said. “But if one individual is fighting the battle (he) cannot win.”—AP