October 22, 2001	Monday	Shaba'an 4, 1422

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 21: President Gen Pervez Musharraf may feel he is in the hot seat by supporting the US military campaign in Afghanistan.

But some of his supporters tried to take some of the heat for him on Sunday by walking barefoot over about 12 feet of burning coals as a handful of Islamabad residents gaped in awe.

The group, including women and an 80-year-old retired army officer, ran one by one over the coals, chanting “Long live Pakistan” amid loud clapping.

“We believe that we should support our government,” said Moiz Hussain, who organized the demonstration.

“Our theme to walk on fire was that we are walking on fire for our love for Pakistan and Pakistan’s support for fighting terrorism in this world.”

“We hope this message will go across to all the people in Pakistan who support the government,” added Hussain, who runs a support group to help people overcome phobias and fears.

His sentiments contrasted sharply with the bitter opposition to Musharraf’s policy of providing logistical support to US-led forces voiced by Islamic groups at anti-US and pro-Taliban demonstrations in cities around Pakistan in recent weeks.

The government has said that it would be difficult to contain the anger of Islamic groups if the US strikes against the Taliban continued for long.

We felt that this is a very small act, yet it carries a lot of weight,” Hussain said.—Reuters