Military

DATE=10/11/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-281673

TITLE=PAKISTAN/REACT/STRIKES (L ONLY)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICE AT:

INTRO: Pakistani government has increased security ahead of Friday's general strike called by religious parties to protest U-S military strikes in Afghanistan. As Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad, the government has warned it will not tolerate violent demonstrations.

TEXT: Armed troops in military vehicles are patrolling streets in major Pakistani cities ahead of the anti-American demonstrations. Activists of Islamic parties supporting Afghanistan's Taleban rulers are expected to take to the streets after prayers on Friday, the Muslim holy day.

The heavy security in the capital, Islamabad has included erecting sandbag-protected army posts near government buildings and diplomatic missions.

Tension is particularly high in southwestern border town of Quetta, where five people were killed earlier this week when a large demonstration turned violent. Pakistani officials have dismissed the anti-U-S demonstrations as a fringe movement. Aziz Khan is a spokesman for Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.

//KHAN ACT//

In case of any small minority trying to launch any protest, the law and order machinery of the government of Pakistan is firmly in a position to

control it.

//END ACT//

Ever since the U-S led air attacks in Afghanistan began Sunday, leading Islamic

parties in Pakistan have held almost daily protest rallies. They are demanding removal of President General Pervez Musharraf because of his support for the U-S military campaign. The strikes are aimed at flushing out suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden and his followers hiding in Afghanistan. The ruling Taleban is also under attack for sheltering the Saudi fugitive.

Pakistan's largest Islamic party - Jamaat-i-Islami - has threatened to launch a nationwide campaign from next Monday to force the military government to change its support for the American attacks in Afghanistan or give up power. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/MAR