Islamabad, Apr. 1: Pakistan President Musharraf has said extremism cannot be eliminated as long as economic inequality persists.

In his inaugural speech at the 13th COMSTECH Assembly in Islamabad today, Musharraf called for end of discriminatory distribution of economic resources in the world to eliminate extremism and the sense of deprivation.

The President also said the Muslim world must initiate dialogue with the West to clear current misperceptions.

Speaking on economic issues, Musharraf said the world's Muslim population stands at about 19 percent, but Muslim states contribute less than 9 percent economically. . . He added that the technology gap between the east and the west was widening.

He called for respect to all faiths and beliefs. He advised the Muslim nations to boost collective efforts for optimum utilization of their resources. (ANI)