Pakistan has again said it opposes any military strike by the United States against Osama Bin Laden, if he is confirmed to be in Pakistan.
Foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri told the BBC public opinion in his country would not tolerate such an attack.
He said he was concerned that any US operation against Bin Laden could lead to dozens of civilian deaths.
Washington has said nothing can be ruled out in the pursuit of the al-Qaeda leader.
White House spokesman Tony Snow said the US recognised Pakistan's sovereignty, but the Bush administration always maintained the option of striking actionable targets.
Earlier Mr Kasuri had said that Bin Laden was not in Pakistan.
On Sunday, White House aides said the U.S. wouldn't rule out using force in Pakistan. Kasuri spoke out soon afterward, saying Pakistani troops were best suited to root out bin Laden and al Qaeda.