DATE=5/4/2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-289423

TITLE= PAK / U-S REPORTER (L-O)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf says that the killers of

American journalist Daniel Pearl must face punishment in Pakistan. The

United States is seeking extradition of, Ahmed Omar Sheikh, the prime

suspect in the high-profile case. From Islamabad, Ayaz Gul reports.

TEXT: President Musharraf says he will resist any U-S pressure for the

extradition of Ahmed Omar Sheikh, a British-born Islamic militant best known

as Sheikh Omar. The Pakistani leader told reporters in Islamabad Saturday

that Sheikh Omar will be tried and sentenced in Pakistan. General Musharraf

says this is because he wants to set an example for those defying his crackdown on terrorism and religious violence.

/// MUSHARRAF ACT ///

He (Sheikh Omar) has done a heinous act here in Pakistan. He must be

punished here in Pakistan. Because, we are acting against terrorism here in

Pakistan and we want to move very strongly against anyone. I want the people of Pakistan to also know that we will move strongly against terrorism and we have the capability.

/// END ACT ///

Sheikh Omar and three alleged Pakistani accomplices have been charged with kidnapping and murdering American reporter Daniel Pearl. They are being tried under Pakistan's anti-terrorism law and could be sentenced to death if found guilty. All four have pleaded innocent to the charges against them.

Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was abducted in the southern city

of Karachi while trying to contact Pakistani militants linked to the Al-Qaida terrorist network. Mr. Pearl's death was confirmed a month later in a

videotape showing his murder. His body has yet to be found.

An anti-terrorism court within the walls of the central prison in Karachi

was conducting the trial of those accused of killing Mr. Pearl. But the

trial was transferred to the city of Hyderabad because of prosecution

allegations that the venue in Karachi could be attacked.

On Saturday, defense lawyers filed a petition in the Supreme Court

challenging the transfer that was ordered by a lower provincial court. They

argue that shifting the trial is against the prevailing laws in Pakistan. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/RH