OIC Resolves to Protect and Promote Common Interests of Muslim World

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) resolved to promote and protect the common interests of member Muslim countries and support the causes of Palestine, Kashmir, and others. It was concluded in the two-day 48th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad which was attended by 57 Islamic countries and observer states. The declaration vowed to protect the rights of Muslim minorities in non-OIC countries and pursue a vision of great social, scientific, economic, and technological development in the Muslim world and beyond.

The declaration also rejected all forms of terrorism and its attempts on any country, nationality, race, religion, or civilization. Moreover, it decided to welcome the operationalization of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF). It reiterated to promote harmony, peaceful co-existence, and better living standards with human dignity and understanding.

Speaking at the joint news conference, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that out of 140 adopted resolutions, 20 were sponsored or co-sponsored by Pakistan. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry issues a statement that read, “The declaration contents are inspired by noble Islamic values and ideals enshrined in the OIC Charter; they are anchored in the principles and purposes of UN Charter.”

Will the resolution translate into some solid action?