Gen. Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistani president, has said that "some individuals" appear to have sold nuclear technology for personal profit.

"The last visit of a Pakistani president to our country took place 33 years ago," he said.

"I don't know who told the Pakistani president that," Mr. Bush said.

What lurks beneath the Pakistani president, though, is less clear.

Gen. Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistani president, confirmed that in a memoir published last year.

The Pakistani president is expected to receive strong economic support, including agreements on tariffs and investment and cooperation in science and technology.

In August 2001, the Pakistani president announced the road map for democracy, which included the elections due to take place on 10 October.

The Indian and Pakistani presidents met in Havana this September.

When the Pakistani president dismissed as "rubbish" calls that he investigate the military's role, the White House said nothing.

Three Pakistani presidents belonged to the Pashtun ethnic group.