Military

DATE=09/17/2001

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-280625

TITLE=PAKISTAN / ATTACKS/RESPONSE (S-O)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: Pakistan has stepped up security, ahead of a possible

U-S military strike on neighboring Afghanistan, where a prime suspect in

last week's terror attacks on U-S cities -- Osama bin Laden -- is living.

From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul reports.

TEXT: Pakistani officials say security has been increased, within the

country and along the border with Afghanistan, to counter unspecified

threats. Reports say the armed forces have been put on alert. Major General Rashid Qureshi is the government's main spokesman.

//QURESHI ACTUALITY//

We are monitoring the situation and appropriate upgrading of defenses

will take place if there is a threat.

//END ACTUALITY//

Pakistan -- a main supporter of the Taleban -- has agreed to fully cooperate

with the United States in the event of an attack on targets in Afghanistan. A Pakistani delegation went into Afghanistan Monday to urge Taleban moderation.

Officials requesting anonymity say they have taken "extraordinary

security measures" to counter an anticipated backlash from Muslim groups in

Pakistan, who support the Afghan Taleban and Saudi dissident bin Laden.

The Islamic Taleban refuses to expel Osama Bin Laden, saying he is not

involved the terror strikes on U-S cities. It has threatened to attack

any country, which helps a U-S assault on Afghanistan. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/WD