Quetta residents reject Blair's message

Osama Bin Laden's image is displayed at Quetta rallies

By BBC correspondent Matt Frei

Pakistan was once part of the British Empire but if Tony Blair came to the border city of Quetta, he wouldn't find much support.

We have no reason to believe the British - you've broken too many promises

Pro-Taleban party leader

Most of the residents are passionate in their support of the Taleban.

"They are good people," said a local man, taking time out from an impromptu cricket match. "They have brought peace to Afghanistan."

Until 11 September, that was also the official view of Pakistan's government.

But today President Pervez Musharraf is caught between diplomatic pressure from the West and popular pressure from below.

Rally

In Quetta, there has been a groundswell of support for Osama Bin Laden.

At an anti-American rally the speaker whipped up the crowd with attacks on the arrogant West.

Pro-Taleban rallies attract huge crowds in Quetta

A poster likeness of Osama - as he is affectionately known here - gazed down on his supporters.

The crowd was a mixture of Pakistanis and Afghans.

They come from two different countries, but share the same tribe and the same religion.

Everyone who attended the rally is a Taleban supporter.

Ready to fight

They are the people who will need to be watched if and when America starts to bomb.

So an Tony Blair reassure them that this is not a war against Muslims? The movement's leaders say that he cannot.

"In history we have fought wars with you," Hafiz Hussain Sharodi said.

"We have no reason to believe the British - you've broken too many promises".

Those attending the rally say they will fight with the Taleban, triggering a civil war in Pakistan - a nuclear power.

Bravado perhaps, a minority opinion maybe. One can only hope.