Pakistan deeply appreciates OIC’s role in assuring and safeguarding social, economic & political interests of Muslim world: FM Bilawal
ISLAMABAD, Dec 10, (SABAH): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should lead the diplomatic effort to find lasting solution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Addressing a joint press stake out alongside OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha in Islamabad on Saturday after bilateral meeting with him, FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Pakistan deeply appreciates OIC’s role in assuring and safeguarding social, economic and political interests of Muslim world. FM BIlawal said that the OIC is a platform that represents the entire Muslim world. It’s a good platform to use to engage particularly with Afghanistan, he said.
The Foreign Minister said India’s ongoing human rights violations, its illegal acts in 2019 are blatant violations of international law and stand in sharp contrast to every effort for peace and stability in the region.
He said that the visit to LoC by the Secretary General OIC, is an incredibly important visit to send a message that the Muslim ummah stands in solidarity with the people of Kashmir.
He said we discussed Islamophobia with the OIC secretary General and encouraged the appointment of special envoy for Islamophobia. “We touched upon the abhorrent phenomenon of Islamophobia which is on the rise. We have encouraged the appointment of a special envoy on Islamophobia as mandated by recent ministerial resolutions” Bilawal Bhutto said.
On Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister said we emphasized the urgent need to follow up on decisions made at 17th extraordinary session at CFM in Islamabad last December.
He said we are pleased to know that there has been progress on all fronts, sufficient initial resources to strengthen OIC office in Afghanistan and operation of special envoy has been provided by OIC membership.
The Foreign Minister added that the newly inaugurated office of OIC mission in Kabul will be helpful in channelling OIC support to Afghanistan and alleviating humanitarian situation there.
He said Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Palestinians as mandated by recent CFM meetings and OIC should prepare action plan to raise Palestinian issue internationally.
Bilawal Bhutto announced that Pakistan will organize OIC trade fare from 16th to 18th June next year in Lahore.
Speaking on the occasion, the OIC Secretary General said we ask India to cancel all illegal decisions taken regarding Kashmir. He said OIC contact group has adopted a detailed plan of action on Kashmir and OIC will continue to raise its voice for the cause of Kashmiri people.