PESHAWAR, Jan 18: The Hizbut Tahrir has blamed capitalism for the poverty and hunger in the world.

Speaking at a news conference here at the Peshawar Press Club, Zulfiqar Ali, a spokesman for the Hizb said that a capitalistic system cannot be enforced alongside Islam. It was essential to cleanse society of capitalism in order for Islam to take its place, he added.

He flayed Gen Pervez Musharraf’s decision to ban Jihadi organizations and termed it as part of an American agenda in southeast Asia.

Dilating upon Musharraf’s speech, he said that the existence of religious affairs ministry in Pakistan was proof that Pakistan was not an Islamic country. “When Pakistan is not an Islamic country how can Musharraf say that it was a fortress of Islam”, he questioned.

He said unlike Christianity, Islam does not separate religion from state. He thinks Gen Musharraf has in a way endorsed their separation by lashing out at the Ulema who seek guidance from Islam in political matters.

“We are against the status quo, which does not allow any change in society. Musharraf represent the same status quo when he abhors extremists, opposing the status quo”, he added.

He said they were proud of being extremists, struggling for a just society based on Islamic principles. “We, being Muslim, are opposed to the philosophy of nationalism. Islam does not allow division of the Ummah on ethnic grounds. We consider all Muslims as one body,” he added.

He said that Gen Musharraf had disgraced the rights of people by allowing US planes to bomb innocent Afghans.

On Jihad, he said Muslims were bound to wage Jihad against infidels. No one can control the people’s spirit and will, he added.

He said they considered it their religious duty to extend support to Muslims fighting against foreign occupation and tyranny in their countries. “If Gen Musharraf could lease out air bases to the Americans we too can extend support to the Palestinians,” he added.