Talking to newsmen at Chaklala Airbase before his departure, Musharraf said the world should resolve the problems faced by the Ummah urgently, to get rid of terrorism and extremism.

President Musharraf said an urgent solution of problems is must due to gravity of situation in Iraq, Iran, Palestine and Lebanon.

Musharraf is to visit Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates in the tour.

Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri is also accompanying him.

The purpose of the visit was not explained officially but Foreign Office sources said apart from bilateral issues, the president is keen to discuss the grave situation that prevails in the region.

Pakistan feels that escalation of hostile postures between the US and Iran would inexorably draw it in a tricky situation.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro and Vice-Chief of the Army Staff General Ahsan Salim Hyat were present at the airport to send off the president.

Musharraf said that the Muslim world should get united at the OIC platform for an effective voice in the world.