U.S. alerts Americans in Pak.

ISLAMABAD, APRIL 1. The United States has warned Americans in Pakistan that there is a threat of its citizens being kidnapped in or near Karachi within a week.

``The U.S. Embassy has information regarding a possible kidnapping of an American in or around Karachi between March 31 and April 6,'' said a advisory released by the U.S. Consulate in Karachi.

``Although the information is not confirmed, it is prudent for all Americans to review their security practices, particularly being aware of their surrounding and varying travel time and routes,'' the advisory said. Quoting diplomatic sources the private news agency, NNI, said the advisory might have been issued following recent statements by some religious leaders of ``launching attacks'' on Americans.

It gave no other details of the threat but previous warnings to Americans in Pakistan linked security threats to Islamic militants in neighbouring Afghanistan.

According to a DPA report from Karachi, Pakistan police have been put on alert following the warning. ``We have taken extra measures for the security of U.S. citizens in Karachi and police have been deployed around the residences of Americans,'' a Pakistani police official said. ``We are aware of the situation and taking all measures,'' he added.

- Reuters, AFP

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