KARACHI – President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain on Monday said that the Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi did not participate in the 46th foreign ministers’ conference of the organization of Islamic cooperation (OIC) as invitation of participation has extended to the Indian foreign minister and did not reverted despite opposition of Pakistan, however, Pakistan was presented by the diplomatic staff. OIC should ensure prior consultation with member countries before inviting any non member delegate or guest to the meetings of OIC, so that dispute between the brotherly Islamic countries can be avoided.
The Veteran Business Leader while talking to the business community said that OIC has seconded the Pakistan’s standing on the Kashmir dispute and passed a resolution to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance to the United Nation’s charters. Resolution of Kashmir dispute is not only necessary to strengthen relations of neighboring countries India and Pakistan but is also vital for sustained peace in the region. The OIC resolution also praised Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision of releasing Indian pilot and offer of dialogue between both neighboring countries. Pakistan has been nominated as permanent member of human rights commission of OIC in the Asia, which is realization of Paksitan’s efforts towards the cause.
The Former Minister said that OIC role in promoting economic and trade ties between the member countries is very limited which needs to be enhanced. State heads of Islamic countries and leaders of this effective forum should take concrete and practical measures to this effect.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that OIC countries export to world has declined by 17 percent while intra member states exports have been reduced by 8 percent in 2016 as compared to 2010. Global imports have been reduced by 6 percent while global trade is declined by 30 percent. Pakistan’s global trade has declined by $ 27 billion in 2017 while intra-Islamic countries trade of Kazakhstan has increased by $ 5 billion.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that improved role of OIC for trade and economic activities between the member countries are vital. OIC should take its efforts to next level for improved trade between the member countries and the trade preferential system of the OIC should be implemented on early basis to bring grace and strong financial position to the Muslim world.
