Women power to stop terrorism: Musharraf

WOMEN POWER: ‘I need the help of women to change the mental condition of their influenced men,’ says Musharraf.

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Keywords: Pervez Musharraf, terrorism

Islamabad: Under intense global pressure to root out terrorism in Pakistan, President Pervez Musharraf has turned to women to "influence their men" to stay away from the "disease" that has become a major "threat" to the country.

"This (extremism) is a mental condition, a disease, I can't fight with it alone so I need the help of women to change the mental condition of their influenced men," he said while addressing a convention to mark International Women's Day On Thursday.

"Extremists are the only threat to the solidarity of Pakistan, no external power can harm our country because we are fully prepared to deal with them," he said.

Referring to protests by Islamist girl students of a seminary (Madrassa) in Islamabad who have occupied a public library since January 21 against the government's decision to demolish unauthorised mosques, Musharraf said this was not the way to go about it.

"The students of Lal Masjid are challenging the writ of the government. I heard that they are ready for suicide attacks. I must say that it does not suit them. This is not the teachings of Islam," the President said.

"I am not afraid of them but we cannot demolish the mosque or we cannot harm the students. The concept of 'Jehad' is defensive, not to kill innocent Muslims by suicide attacks.

In Islam only the government has the right to declare 'Jehad'," he was quoted in the media here on Friday as saying.

He referred to steps taken by his government to alleviate the suffering of women in Pakistan, specially the recent amendment to the Hudood ordinance, which had put the onus of proof on women who were subjected to rape.

The President said the Women Protection Law was aimed at restoring honour, respect and dignity to women.