Putrajaya (Malaysia), Oct 15: Observing that Muslim countries are at the crossroads of their destiny, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today asked them to choose between extremism and economic growth to solve their problems. "We have to decide whether militancy, extremism and confrontation will lead us to our emancipation or a focus on our socio-economic well being will benefit us," Musharraf told the OIC business forum organised alongside the organisation of Islamic Conference Summit here. He said "Muslim countries are at the crossroads of future destiny. Politically we find ourselves at the Centre of most conflicts and disputes. The aftermath of the September 11 incident has placed Muslims in a greater dilemma."

Musharraf also called for economic reforms and greater trade ties among the 57 countries of the grouping.
Sub-groupings of Muslim countries such as ECO, GCC, Arab Maghreb Union must be made more active. Besides, they should also benefit from their involvement with groupings such as Asean, Saarc, African Union, CIS and European Union, he said. Bureau Report