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Friday, 5 October, 2001, 14:31 GMT 15:31 UK
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.
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.
Related to this story:
Analysis: Pakistan's mixed feelings about Blair
(05 Oct 01 | South Asia)
US woos 'launch-pad' state
(05 Oct 01 | Asia-Pacific)
Strengthening the coalition
(04 Oct 01 | Europe)
Blair puts case against Bin Laden
(04 Oct 01 | UK Politics)
The UK's Bin Laden dossier in full
(04 Oct 01 | UK Politics)
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