(AFP) A senior official of Afghanistan's ousted government called today for international pressure on Pakistan to halt what he called its military support for the Taliban regime.

Abdullah Abdullah, acting foreign minister, said the fundamentalist militia which controls most of Afghanistan obtained most of its weapons from neighbouring Pakistan, along with Pakistani military advisers and military personnel.

Pakistan denies it gives military aid to the Islamic militia.

Abdullah said the "turmoil" in his country was a direct consequence of Pakistani support for the Taliban.

He told a press conference that Pakistan sought to create a counterbalance to Indian power in the subcontinent but "the next victim will be Pakistan itself."

Abdullah cited what he called a "growing trend of Talibanisation" of nuclear-armed Pakistan.

"What would happen if one day nuclear devices are in the hands of groups like the Taliban? Pakistan doesn't seem to be doing anything to prevent that from happening."

Abdullah, who arrived from the United States and goes on to Germany and Kazakhstan and Russia, was due to meet Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad this afternoon.

Positive response

In talks today with Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, Abdullah said he urged Malaysia's help to mobilise other members of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to work for peace.

Abdullah said he would also ask Malaysia to use its influence with Pakistan to persuade it to end its support for the Taliban.

He described Malaysia's response as "positive" but said the OIC should also put pressure on Pakistan.

The Taliban regime, which seized power in 1996, is recognised only by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Abdullah said that without Pakistani military support, the Taliban "cannot survive as a strong military force and will have to come to terms" with demands for a peaceful settlement.

The acting foreign minister said the Taliban was providing a "safe haven" for terrorist groups and individuals which operated worldwide and was guilty of "gross violations" of human rights.

Abdullah also accused the regime of abusing Islam to oppress the Afghan people. "They are killing the soul of tolerance among the Muslims."