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American Morning

Target: Terrorism, People of Pakistan

Aired October 01, 2001 - 11:12   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We also want to know what you think about the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden. Our on-line question at this time asks: "Do you believe the Taliban knows the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden"? So far, 81 percent overwhelmingly say yes, just about 19 percent say no. Cast your vote online 24 hours a day at cnn.com. And for AOL users the key word as always is CNN.

Across the border from Afghanistan, Pakistan emerging as a major player in that region. A country with a sizable minority in poverty, but also a prospering middle class. With a look at the wide divergence of political views among the people there, CNN's Christiane Amanpour hit the streets of Islamabad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Years of economic neglect and corruption have dragged nearly a third of Pakistan's population below the poverty line, the perfect breeding ground for Islamic extremism.

Which is now on display at anti-government, anti-U.S. protests, well-orchestrated by the hard-line Islamic party leaders. "Whoever is friends with America is a traitor," yells this crowd. Just fighting words? Maybe, but nearly half of the country is illiterate. One million students are enrolled in religious schools that proliferate in an inadequate education system.

(on camera): Pakistanis are mad about cricket. In fact, it's probably the only thing all social classes here have in common. And now, the vast, silent, and moderate majority hope this crisis will help loosen the foothold that's been gained over the years by the hard-line minority.

(voice-over): The Saulat family belongs to the upper-middle class. They are religious, but also progressive and professional. They believe education is the key to a better future here. Haseeb is a vice president at Pakistan's largest private bank, and Saadia has her own parenting magazine.

SAADIA HASEEB: The girls in our society can do anything they want, professionally speaking. They can get into any kind of profession they want to. And we can see women now these days everywhere in just about every profession. HASEEB SAULAT: The very vast majority in this country, those who have their own point of view. And they are not at all involved into any sort of extremism. They have no desire to create lawlessness in the country.

AMANPOUR: This family takes vacations abroad and has fond memories of the United States.

HASEEB SAULAT: we still remember our visit to Manhattan, and this is the place where we were standing on the World Trade Center, on the rooftop, with an excellent view.

AMANPOUR: The Saulats believe engaging with the world is the best bet for a bright future. And right now, like many Pakistanis, they are just thankful for a crisis that has brought that chance a step closer. Christiane Amanpour, CNN, Islamabad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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