Military

DATE=1/28/2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-285744

TITLE= PAK / U-S / JOURNALIST (L Only)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Authorities in Pakistan are still seeking information about a missing American journalist who is allegedly being held by Islamic extremists. From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul reports.

TEXT: A nation-wide search is underway for Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who went missing last Wednesday in the Pakistani city of Karachi. Investigators have questioned a large number of people, checking possible links to militant Islamic groups in Pakistan. But officials have not said if they have uncovered any clue about who or where the American is being held.

On Sunday, Pakistani and U-S media organizations received an e-mail message from a group calling itself "The National Movement for the Restoration of Pakistani Sovereignty." The group claims to be holding 38-year old reporter Daniel Pearl. The message alleges the reporter has links with U-S Central Intelligence Agency.

According to the e-mail message, the American journalist is being kept in

"inhumane conditions" to protest against U-S treatment of al-Qaida and

Taleban prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The message includes a picture,

showing Mr. Pearl with his wrists chained and a gun pointed to his head.

Pakistani police officials say they have seen the message and are looking

for the relatively unknown group.

The U-S embassy in Islamabad says it remains concerned for the reporter's

safety. A spokesman says the embassy and the American consulate in Karachi

are coordinating closely with Pakistani authorities to resolve the case.

The Wall Street Journal and U-S officials have denied that the journalist worked for the C-I-A.

Mr. Pearl is based in Bombay, in neighboring India. According to his wife,

he was trying to interview a leader of an Islamic group in Pakistan. The

organization is said to have links with the al-Qaida terror group. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/KBK