Afghan extremists-ISI nexus a threat to all, warns US

New Delhi: The US has once again pointed out to the possibility of a nexus between Pakistan's ISI and the extremist outfits in Afghanistan.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates urged the ISI to cut contacts with extremists in Afghanistan, saying it is an "existential threat" to Pakistan itself.

Pakistan of late has been claiming that the ISI no longer has extremist links.

In an interview to the American news channel Fox News, Gates said, “The ISI has had links with extremists for a long time, as a hedge against what might happen in Afghanistan, were we to walk away. What we need to do is try and help the Pakistanis understand that these groups are now an existential threat to them and we will be there as a steadfast ally for Pakistan.”