BBC Wednesday, 19 September, 2001, 16:28 GMT 17:28 UK Pakistan warns of 'destruction' The move to back the US has been met with protests

President Musharraf says Pakistan is facing its worst crisis for 30 years over its support for the US action against Osama Bin Laden.

In a televised address to the nation, he said the country was threatened with destruction, and had to save itself.

He also warned that, if Pakistan made the wrong decision now, it could adversely affect the Kashmir issue.

General Musharraf acknowledged that many in Pakistan were bitterly opposed to his support for the US, but argued that his move did not go against he principles of Islam.

Pakistan has been witnessing mounting protests by Islamic students and religious leaders against the move to support the US.

In other developments:

Iraq denies involvement in the destruction in New York and Washington

UN officials warn that millions of already hungry people in Afghanistan face a desperate situation as food supplies run out

According to latest figures, 5,422 people from 62 countries are still missing in New York, with 218 confirmed dead and 152 identified

British Prime Minister Tony Blair says a broad coalition of countries is coming together to fight terrorism

Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri and foreign ministers of Russia, Germany and Saudi Arabia are in Washington for talks

The FBI is holding 75 people for questioning, and Attorney-General John Ashcroft says a support network for the hijackers could still be operating in the US

The world's biggest aircraft manufacturer, the American company Boeing, is planning to cut up to 30,000 jobs - about a third of its commercial airline workforce.

In his speech, General Musharraf said: "Pakistan is passing through a very serious time... our decision will impact on our future."

"What we are doing is in accordance with Islam, truth and justice," he said.

General Musharraf confirmed that the US had asked Pakistan for "intelligence and information" as well as the use of Pakistan's airspace and "logistical support".

His government has acceded to all the US requests.

But the General insisted he had always stood by Afghanistan's Taleban rulers and pleaded on their behalf with world leaders.

Pakistan is one of only three nations that recognise the Taleban authorities in neighbouring Afghanistan, where Osama Bin Laden, the chief suspect in the recent attacks on the US, is living.

A Pakistani delegation has held talks with the Taleban inside Afghanistan and put pressure on them to hand over Bin Laden.

Growing protests

Before General Musharraf's address, hundreds of Islamic students had held a protest rally in the north-western city of Peshawar.

They waved placards with messages of support for Osama Bin Laden and Taleban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, and said thatr, if the US attacked Afghanistan, they would go there to fight a holy war.

On Tuesday, thousands of students from an Islamic seminary gathered near the American consulate in Karachi, shouting slogans against the United States.

Police were deployed to prevent them from approaching the consulate. It was the largest such demonstration in recent days.

Religious leaders in Pakistan have warned that such protests could turn violent if the US launched an attack on Afghanistan.

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2001

Answers

Religious leaders in Pakistan have warned that such protests could turn violent if the US launched an attack on Afghanistan.

So be it.

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2001