Islamic militants in Pakistan have stepped up protests against their government's decision to support the United States in the fight against terrorism.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in the city of Peshawar Thursday, chanting anti-U-S slogans.
They also vowed to fight a holy war if their government supports a U-S attack on neighboring Afghanistan and its hardline Islamic Taleban authorities. Peshawar, a trading city near the Afghan border, has been the scene of repeated protests in recent days.
Islamic leaders are calling for a nationwide strike on Friday to protest their government's policies in the wake of the September 11th terror attacks in the United States.
Wednesday, Pakistan's President, Pervez Musharraf, delivered a nationally televised speech saying Washington has asked for logistical support, intelligence information and the use of Pakistani airspace in a possible air attack into Afghanistan.
General Musharraf also said those who oppose cooperation with the United States represent a small minority.
The United States has identified Afghanistan-based Osama bin Laden as the main suspect in last week's attacks. Pakistan is one of only three countries that recognizes the Taleban.