ISLAMABAD, June 21: Federal Religious Affairs Minister Ijazul Haq had said that former prime minister Benazir Bhutto should understand that the Muslims all over the world are very sensitive about the Salman Rushdie issue.

The minister alleged at a news conference here on Thursday that Ms Bhutto had contacts with the writer.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ms Bhutto had accused Mr Haq of supporting suicide bombing and demanded his removal from the cabinet.

Mr Haq said he and millions of Muslims were ready to sacrifice their lives and everything else to protect the sanctity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

He said he had never supported suicide bombing.

He said that his statement in the National Assembly had been misinterpreted by some circles. He denied having requested expunging of any part of his speech.

He said a large number of ulema had extended full support to him and they would speak on the subject in their Friday sermons. He said a large number of British Muslims had also supported him.

AFP adds: “I may travel to Britain next month as a British delegation has invited me to guide them on how to engage khatibs and imams in a constructive dialogue,” Mr Haq told AFP.

“The visit would also help clear many things and misunderstandings about my remarks about the knighting of Salman Rushdie by Britain,” he added.

The British delegation that met him on Monday included representatives from Britain’s home and foreign offices, he said.