ISLAMABAD, July 20: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto has criticized President Gen Pervez Musharraf for allowing religious fanaticism to flourish under his nose. She was speaking at a gathering at Belfry Golf Club in Birmingham, UK, attended by parliament members, intellectuals and people from the business community.

“There are two types of madressahs; in the first type, pupils get schooling according to the Quran and there is nothing wrong with them. The second type was set up by Gen Zia to indoctrinate Afghan refugees and turn them into brainwashed soldiers,” she said.

After September 11, Gen Musharraf had said he would reform the madressahs but he did not.

Benazir Bhutto said Muslim elders were the key to prevent younger generations from falling prey to fanaticism. In the UK the Muslim community of elders need to see what is being taught and supervise reform.

Ms Bhutto said: “I love my country and want to see my country safe and see a pluralistic society. I want to go back to Pakistan but I am concerned about losing my freedom of movement and speech. I am looking for the right opportunity to go back.”

MEETS C’WEALTH OFFICIAL: PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto met Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon in London.