President General Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday stressed that Pakistan must unite and address the challenge of sectarianism, not just for the country’s security, but for the entire Muslim world. “If we do not get our act together, there could be a sectarian catastrophe in the Muslim world … we would not only damage ourselves internally but the Islamic world as well which looks towards Pakistan to play a leading role in the current turmoil and sectarian strife,” the president said while addressing the 24th Convocation of the Army Medical College (AMC). Gen Musharraf emphasised that Pakistan could only contribute to the Umma and the global community “if we achieve internal strength”. Those trying to divide society on sectarian lines must be rejected, for society could implode “if we do not rectify the situation now,” he said. He said Pakistan must rise to the challenge and “resolve the turmoil in the world as it also affects Pakistan and Muslim states”.
He said religion was being made an issue in Pakistan, with some claiming that Islam was in danger in the country. He rejected the notion, saying Pakistan was safe as an Islamic republic. He urged people to vote against extremists in the next general elections.