Musharraf calls Jihad on preachers of hate

Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf has addressed the nation following a countrywide crackdown on suspected Islamic extremists. The operation was launched in connection with the London attacks in which 56 people died. Musharraf admitted his country had a problem which it was seriously trying to deal with, but added that “England also has a problem which needs to be addressed”.

Nearly 300 people were arrested in a series of raids across Pakistan. But British diplomats said that none of the detentions were linked to the July 7th London bombings. Pakistan’s hardline Muslim groups have condemned the arrests. Among those detained are members of outlawed organisations with links to al Qaeda in Pakistan. In his address, Musharraf also called on Pakistanis to join in a jihad or holy war against preachers of hatred and violence and announced steps to rein in militant Islamic schools and organisations.

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