THE HAGUE, 20/02/07 - Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders is asking the advice of the National Anti-terrorism Coordinator (NCTb) on whether or not to make a trip to Pakistan. He is concerned about his safety in the Islamic country.

In an article in regional Dutch newspapers, a number of leading Pakistani political figures yesterday warned of the dangers of Wilders' visit to their country. Maulana Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, parliamentary member and the second man within the influential religious party Jamat-e-Islami, said: ''This man is not welcome in Pakistan, he should never be allowed in here. His statements are offensive to millions of Muslims. This man is more radical in his ideas than the so-called terrorists."

Talat Masood, a former Pakistani army general and a leading moderate Pakistani analyst, advises Wilders not to go to Pakistan: "His life would be in extreme danger. But I think that Wilders will in any case not receive a visa after his statements."

Wilders said last week that Muslims should tear up half the Koran. Yesterday, he sought advice from NCTb Tjibbe Joustra on the planned trip. He has been scheduled to visit Pakistan and Afghanistan with a number of other MPs. Wilders says he is not only worried about his own safety, but also about that of his travelling companions.

Conservative (VVD) MP and delegation leader Hans van Baalen said he will be sorry if Wilders decides not to come. "Geert always makes a good contribution as critic on such trips. He is welcome. The delegation will anyway be heavily protected. It is not as if we were going to Belgium."