Daniel Pearl (Wall St. Journal photo)

Pakistani police have expanded their search for a kidnapped American journalist to all four of the country's provinces.

Authorities said Monday they are now looking beyond the southern port city of Karachi where Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was abducted on January 23. Police are also investigating whether criminal gangs may be connected with the kidnapping.

Authorities have said they are making progress in their search, but there is no indication they are any closer to learning Mr. Pearl's condition or whereabouts.

On Sunday, a body discovered in Karachi was initially reported to be that of the missing journalist, but the reports turned out to be false.

Since Mr. Pearl's abduction, there have been several false reports and electronic mail messages claiming he is dead, or demanding a ransom.

Mr. Pearl's kidnappers threatened last week to kill him Friday if the United States does not meet their demands and release all Pakistani fighters captured in the war in Afghanistan. The Wall Street Journal has asked the kidnappers to provide a new photograph of Mr. Pearl to show he is still alive.

U.S. officials have called for the immediate release of Mr. Pearl, saying the kidnappers are not helping their cause by detaining him.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP, Reuters and DPA.

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