Sunday, July 31 2005 10:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Asserting that Pakistan accorded top priority to its security, President Pervez Musharraf yesterday (July 30, 2005) said the country would conduct more missile tests in the coming months.

Pakistan's nuclear and missile power will be further refined and enhanced and no one will be allowed to weaken it, Musharraf said, addressing a public meeting at Kabal in North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

There would be more missile tests in the coming months as Pakistan has always accorded priority to its security above everything, he said.

The announcement followed Musharraf's recent remarks that India's proposed acquisition of the Patriot Missile Defence System from the US was not a cause for concern for his country as, he said, neither the system had high accuracy kill-ratio nor the capability to neutralise the effectiveness of Pakistan's missile inventory.

Also, his Government had conducted missile tests in the past to refute criticism that the nuclear and missile programme was being toned down following US pressure.

Musharraf, who yesterday announced his decision to expel over 1,400 foreign students from various madrasas in the country and promised to take tough action against extremists and militant groups at home, criticised the Islamic alliance Muthahida Majlis-e Amal (MMA), the ruling party in NWFP, accusing it of misusing Islam to further its politics.

"There are certain elements, who are misusing Islam and presenting its wrong image," Musharraf said and called on the people to reject obscurantists and support progressive and enlightened forces to take the country forward on the path of development and prosperity.

The President asked the people to reject extremist elements in the forthcoming local body elections who are bringing bad name to the country.

He told the foreign media that he would soon promulgate an ordinance to regulate madrasas and expel foreign students studying in them.

In his address, he said before cracking down on the al-Qaeda militants on the Pakistani territory, his Government had offered amnesty to them to surrender but they rejected.

"Pakistan is our identity and a stronger Pakistan will raise the prestige of the people internationally," he said, adding that ideologically Pakistan is a State created in the name of Islam and as such Islam is not an issue.

He said Islam preaches tolerance, moderation, brotherhood, unity, development and acquisition of knowledge. In the past prominent Muslim scientists and engineers had acquired education at Deeni Madrasas.

"But today these Madaris in Pakistan are only providing religious education," he said, adding there was a need to introduce modern educational subjects in these institutions.

Musharraf, however, said he has been the biggest supporter of the madrasas, saying they are major NGOs providing boarding and lodging to the poor students.