Expressing confidence in the leadership of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf [Images], a top Republican leader has said the $10 billion in aid given to the country by the United States  since 2001 was money "well spent".

"He's (Musharraf) been really a very important ally to us. And when we look at threats we face from around the world, having Pakistan as one of our allies is important to our long-term future," House of Representatives' Republican leader  John Boehner said in CNN's 'Late Edition' show.

On being asked if he still had confidence in Musharraf, Boehner replied, "I do."

On the $10 billion assistance to Pakistan since September 11, 2001, the Ohio lawmaker said: "It is well spent. They're an important ally of the United States. They're going to continue to be an important ally."

"Clearly, what's been happening in Pakistan over the last several months is troubling, but I'm hopeful that emergency law that's in effect will in fact go away next week and that elections, free and fair elections, do occur in January."

When asked if he would support continued military assistance to Islamabad, Boehner replied: "Absolutely."