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A well-known Pakistani actress Saturday said she had received death threats from militants after appearing on the Indian equivalent of hit reality television show "Big Brother".

Veena Malik, 27, incurred the wrath of hardline Islamic clerics for her performance on "Big Boss", during which she indulged in several intimate scenes with Indian actor Ashmit Patel that included massaging his head and neck.

Clerics accused her of shaming Pakistan in rival India and she also received a letter threatening to "punish" her.

"I am quite shocked after receiving this letter. First I got only verbal threats but now it is in writing," Malik told AFP by telephone from India, where she is hosting cricket World Cup show "Big Toss".

"Security is a concern and the Pakistani government is responsible for my and my family's security. I hope that the government will provide me that security," Malik said.

The actress said people with tight security details had been killed in Pakistan, referring to the January assassination of Punjab governor Salman Taseer over his opposition to a draconian blasphemy law.

"What can I say except that I have firm belief in God and life and death is in his hand," she said.

Malik said she would return to Pakistan despite the threats.

"To live in my country is my right. I am a daughter of this soil. I guarantee that I will c... >>>