15 May 2004	Saturday	24 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

ISLAMABAD, May 14: Top law enforcement officials have disputed the authenticity of a recent travel advisory issued by the Australian government warning of terrorists planning attacks in various Pakistani cities.

However, ministers and other officials in Islamabad stopped short of blaming Canberra for issuing the damning travel advisory as an arm twisting measure in reaction to the rejection of Australian wheat on charges of its being infected with Karnal Bunt fungus.

When asked if the government had any information about terrorists "planning" attacks in various metropolitan cities of Pakistan, including Karachi and Islamabad, or threat to the foreigners, federal interior secretary Tasnim Noorani said: "We have no particular information about terrorists planning attacks or the Australians being under threat in Pakistan."

Asked if the travel advisory was in reaction to the rejection of Australian wheat by Pakistan, the interior secretary said: "I cannot comment on this."

When contacted on the evening of May 11, information minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed sought time to seek permission of the prime minister before making any comment in response to a question if the adverse travel advisory was a reaction to the rejection of Australian wheat.

After talking to the prime minister, Mr Ahmed refrained from commenting on the issue.

The travel advisory, issued by the Australian government on May 6 said: "We continue to receive reports of terrorist planning in Karachi and other major metropolitan centres for attacks against Western interests, including embassies and high commissions, international schools, hospitals, international hotels, places of worship, or places where Westerners gather."

The advisory said security at the Australian High Commission in Islamabad is being strengthened as a precautionary measure and the government has authorised the voluntary departure of the dependents of Australian High Commission staff in Islamabad.

According to the Australian government, the continuing tensions in the Middle East may prompt an increase in anti- Western sentiment in Pakistan.

"Areas of Pakistan outside Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore remain particularly volatile and unpredictable," said the Australian government.

It said armed robbery, kidnapping and sectarian violence are serious problems in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, Balochistan and the North West Frontier Province.

Although Australian citizens had not been specifically targeted, there was considerable potential for Australians to be inadvertently involved in such attacks, the travel advisory said.