WASHINGTON, Nov 21: US President George W. Bush has strongly backed his counterpart Pervez Musharraf, calling him a man who has done more for democracy in his country than any modern leader has.

“He has done more for democracy in Pakistan than any modern leader has,” Mr Bush told ABC television. “And one of the reasons you’re seeing the blowback that you’re getting in Pakistan is because of the reforms that President Musharraf has put in place.”

He disputed the notion that he had put too much faith in Gen Musharraf and appeared cautiously optimistic that the general would return Pakistan to the path to democracy.

Throughout the interview, Mr Bush appeared firm in his trust in Gen Musharraf, refusing to join in harsh criticism of the leader the interviewer offered. Instead, he tried to strike a hopeful note.

When the interviewer suggested that Mr Bush had put too much faith in Gen Musharraf, he recalled that the Pakistani president had joined the US-led war against terror soon after 9/11 and had been “a loyal ally” in fighting terrorists.

“He’s also advanced democracy in Pakistan. He has said he’s going to take off his uniform, he’s said there will be elections. Today he released prisoners, and so far I’ve found him to be a man of his word,” Mr Bush said.

Mr Bush said that if the elections were held under emergency, “it’ll be hard for those of us who have belief that he’s advanced Pakistan’s democracy to say that’s still the case.”