Islamabad, July 17: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said that there was an urgent need to dispel the western notion that Islamic educational institutions bred extremists and terrorists.

Musharraf said that the institutions of higher education were best placed to promote a critical dialogue within the Muslim world and that they could create an interfaith harmony.

He said this while talking to International Islamic University (IIU) Rector Dr Manzoor Ahmed in Islamabad last evening.

Emphasising on the need to impart students with quality education in line with Islamic teachings, the President said that every opportunity should be provided to students for their personal development and character building, reported the Daily Times.

He expressed concern at Islamic countries lagging behind in terms of higher education. (ANI)