DATE=3/17/2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-287650

TITLE= PAK / ATTACK (S)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: At least five people have been killed and 45 wounded in an attack on a church in the Pakistani capital. Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad.

TEXT: Witnesses say the attackers walked into the church and threw grenades during a Sunday service. The Protestant church was filled with around 70 worshipers, including Americans and Britons. It is located in a heavily guarded diplomatic compound very close to the American embassy.

Islamabad police chief Nasir Durrani told reporters at the scene it is not clear how many people took part in the "terrorist attack". (at the scene described the attack to reporters.)

/// DURRANI ACT ///

There are some people who say it's probably two persons coming from both of the doors. Four grenades were thrown, out of which two were probably exploded and two were found live there.

/// END ACT ///

No group has claimed responsibility and it is not immediately clear why the church was targeted.

Pakistan has suffered a surge in religious violence between militants from majority Sunni and minority Shiite sects of Islam. But attacks on Christians are relatively rare. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/RH