UK wants crackdown on seminaries

Published July 20, 2005

LONDON, July 19: British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Tuesday he was “anxious” for Pakistani authorities to crack down on hardline Islamic schools, which some of the London bombers are thought to have attended.

Britain had been working with the Pakistani government to take measures against madressas, or seminaries, which might teach extremist views, Mr Blair told reporters in London.

He and his government were “very anxious to make sure that the measures are taken that do deal with the extremist teaching in these places,” the prime minister said.

“And I am sure that is in the interest of Pakistan as well, because Pakistan suffers from these terrorists,” he added.—AFP

APP adds: Mr Blair said Britain was working with Pakistan to deal with extremism and tackling it was also in the interest of the latter.

He made these remarks in response to a question during his joint press conference at the 10-Downing Street with visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday.

“I have spoken to President Musharraf about this and we have spoken to him in recent days. It is important and I know that Pakistani Government believes this,” said Mr Blair, adding Pakistan had taken the steps in order “to root out those things giving rise to this extremism.” Three of the four suspected suicide bombers were British Muslims of Pakistani origin.

Opinion

Editorial

Taliban divisions
Updated 24 Feb, 2025

Taliban divisions

The only workable solution lies in Mullah Akhundzada loosening his iron grip on the country.
Oblivious to drought
24 Feb, 2025

Oblivious to drought

PAKISTAN faces two types of drought: one caused by dry weather or lower-than-normal rainfall, and the other ...
Digital children
24 Feb, 2025

Digital children

AS most parents with young children will agree, the easiest way to pacify a bawling child is to hand them a...
The long wait
Updated 23 Feb, 2025

The long wait

Pakistan’s fundamental problem is that two of its most important leaders still cannot get over themselves.
Defending freedom
23 Feb, 2025

Defending freedom

THERE was no other choice. Despite assurances of consultations with key stakeholders, the government passed the Peca...
Anti-Muslim crimes
23 Feb, 2025

Anti-Muslim crimes

THE surge in Islamophobic assaults in the UK, as reported by the anti-hate crime charity Tell MAMA, is a stark...