SAIDU SHARIF, July 30: President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday urged the masses to reject retrogressive elements, stressing that Pakistan needed progressive and prudent policies to move forward as a strong and dynamic Islamic state. Speaking at a public meeting, the president asked the people to distinguish clearly between the forces of backwardness and the leadership that wanted to develop Pakistan befitting its vast human and economic potential.

“Islam calls for brotherhood, unity, well-being and learning. Please, do not believe those who support extremism; they want to push Pakistan backward,” he said, prodding the people to discard all extremist elements in the forthcoming local elections. Gen Musharraf, the first head of the state to address a gathering in the picturesque valley of the NWFP in 25 years, said there was no issue over Islam in the country, and added that Pakistan was a Muslim state and extremist forces were only misusing the religion.

“We have strengthened Pakistan, militarily and economically, and raised the country’s international profile; we are resolved to move forward; I hope you will rally behind my efforts so that the NWFP and Pakistan may progress and prosper,” he said amid echoing applause for his policies.

President Musharraf appealed particularly to women to see the contradictory approach of some parties. Their leaders had got their women relatives elected as members of parliament, but opposed women representation at the grass-root level, he regretted.

Pakistan, he said, would refine and enhance its missile and nuclear technologies and ruled out any sell-out on these. “Pakistan’s interest is supreme for us and we will never compromise on its dignity and honour,” he said. On the Hasba bill, the president said, a reference had been filed in the Supreme Court, which would decide on it.

About the madressah strategy, President Musharraf said the government was aware of their services as the biggest non-governmental organizations, providing boarding and lodging to students.

However, he said, the government wanted to introduce science subjects in the madressahs so that the students might choose professions in the fields of medicine, engineering etc.

Speaking about services rendered by seminaries five centuries ago, he said they had served as seats of learning in diverse disciplines and in accordance with Islamic teaching. The Holy Quran frequently uses the word ilm underlining the importance of knowledge and the knowledge is not confined to religious learning alone, he pointed out.

The president said that having led Pakistan to economic stability, his efforts were devoted to realizing basic health, education facilities to the people and provision of drinking water and electricity by year 2007.

“We will reduce poverty and redress price-hike,” he said.

He said the construction of big dams was important to meet Pakistan’s future energy and water requirements and announced that the country would also import electricity from Central Asia. The government, he said, would also encourage private sector’s involvement in power generation.

On fighting terrorism in the tribal areas, he said, the government had offered amnesty to foreigners, but they did not avail the chance. “So, action was taken against them. The Pakistan army carried out the action, so support your army and reject elements abetting terrorism.”

“The question today is of Pakistan’s progress and well-being. I am sure that you will support me in taking the country forward,” he said.—APP