The following is an English translation by Reutersof the Arabic text of a statement attributed to Osama bin Laden by Qatar-based al-Jazeera television. (Words in brackets are Reuters notes)
"To our Muslim brothers in Pakistan.
I heard with much regret the news of the murder of some of our Muslim brothers in Karachi while they were expressing their rejection of the aggression by America's crusader forces and its allies on Muslim soil in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
We ask God to receive them as martyrs and to place them among prophets and the righteous and martyrs and the pious who are the best of company, and to grant their families solace and bless their children and property and reward them for being good Muslims.
The children that they left behind are my children and I will care for them, God willing.
No wonder the Muslim nation in Pakistan should rise in defence of Islam, for it is considered Islam's first line of defence in this region, as Afghanistan was the first line of defence for itself and for Pakistan against the Russian invasion more than 20 years ago.
We hope those brothers are the first martyrs in the battle of Islam in this age. The new Jewish crusader campaign is led by the biggest crusader Bush under the banner of the cross.
This battle is considered one of the battles of Islam (rest of sentence erased in original transmission of fax to Jazeera).
We incite our Muslim brothers in Pakistan to deter with all their capabilities the American crusaders from invading Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Prophet, may peace be upon him, had said: He who did not fight or preparer a fighter or take responsibility for the family of the martyr fighter, God will punish him before judgement day - cited by Abu Daoud (a disciple of the Prophet Mohammad).
I assure you, dear brothers, that we are firm on the road of jihad for the sake of God inspired by His Prophet, may peace be upon him, and with the heroic faithful Afghani people under the leadership of the emir of the faithful Mullah Mohammed Omar and to make him triumph over the infidel forces and the forces of tyranny and to destroy the new Jewish Crusade campaign on the soil of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
If God helps you, none can overcome you. If He forsakes you, who is there after that, that can help you? In God, then, let believers put their trust. (A verse from the Koran)
Your brother in Islam
Osama bin Mohammad bin Laden