Tag: OIC

  • EU, UNAOC and OIC condemn act of burning Quran

    The European Union (EU), The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the UN Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) has condemned the heinous act of burning the Holy Quran in Sweden on on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.

    In a statement, the EU has condemned the act, terming it offensive.

    “It is even more deplorable that such act was carried out on the important Muslim celebration of Eid al Azha,” the statement said.

    The OIC in a statement said that such an act contradicted “international efforts to spread the values of tolerance, moderation, and renunciation of extremism.”

    Miguel Moratinos, UNAOC, official said that “such a ‘vile act’ is disrespectful to Muslims.”

    Salwan Momika, an Iraqi living in Sweden, set fire to a copy of the Quran in front of Stockholm’s central mosque

  • Modi extends condolences to families of the flood victims

    Modi extends condolences to families of the flood victims

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends his condolences to the families of the flood victims in Pakistan.

    “Saddened to see the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the injured and all those affected by this natural calamity and hope for an early restoration of normalcy,” tweeted Modi.

    The devastating effects of floods across the country continue to rage on as monsoon rains have killed over 1,000 people and disrupted the lives of more than 5.7 million people.

    The federal and provincial governments are currently providing assistance to the displaced families and now the international community has also poured in their support.

    The Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha expressed “deep sorrow over the casualties, massive destruction of property and loss of life resulting from floods in Pakistan”.

    The United Nations (UN) is set to launch a Flash Appeal in support of Pakistan. The international platform will reportedly launch a $160 million appeal.

    Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said that the appeal will be launched on Tuesday, August 30.

    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the country is currently providing support to Pakistan. “Like many Canadians across the country, I’m thinking of everyone affected by the devastating flooding in Pakistan. Canada is providing support through UNCERF and Red Cross Canada – to provide food, clean water, and other essential services as quickly as possible,” he tweeted.

    During a telephonic conversation between President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed with Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, the UAE President offered condolences and sympathy to the victims of the floods.

    PM Sharif thanked Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan for their support. Both country leaders had telephonic conversations with the premier.

    President Raisi and President Erdogan conveyed solidarity with Pakistan and assured support in relief assistance in all areas affected by heavy floods and rains.

    Moreover, PM Sharif thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his support for the flood affectees.

    In a tweet, he said, “Grateful for President Emmanuel Macron’s message of support for the people of faced with devastating floods. We appreciate France’s solidarity and offer of help for the affected people in this hour of need.”

  • Chinese Foreign Minister pays unannounced visit to Kabul

    Chinese Foreign Minister pays unannounced visit to Kabul

    Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister (FM) Wang Yi arrived in Kabul on Thursday after attending the three-day Organisation on of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Islamabad, which ended on Wednesday. His visit was not announced earlier.

    Yi is the first senior Chinese leader to visit Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover in August. He was received by Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

    The two sides will hold talks on important issues, focusing on China’s role in stability and development, reports Afghan state-run Bakhtar News Agency.

    On March 30-31 Beijing is set to host a two-day conference to discuss the Afghan situation. It is pertinent to mention that the Taliban government is yet to be recognised by any country.

    Foreign Minister Yi last visited Kabul in 2017 after a huge bombing incident after which he tried to ease tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

    China has been involved in the Afghan peace process since the US started its withdrawal of troops in 2014. Moreover, in the past few years, Taliban political representatives have paid several visits to China.

  • ‘Impose economic sanctions on India’: Azad Kashmir President urges OIC

    ‘Impose economic sanctions on India’: Azad Kashmir President urges OIC

    Addressing a special meeting of the Kashmir Contact Group of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry asked the forum to help stop oppression in Indian-Occupied Kashmir (IoK) by imposing economic sanctions on India and boycotting its products.

    He said that since August 5, 2019 (when India changed IoK special status) Indian authorities have issued fake domiciles to 4.2 million non-state Hindus to change the proportion of population there.

    He said the OIC should play its role for the release of political leaders and youth who have been arrested before and after August 5, 2019.

    On the occasion, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) representative Syed Faiz Naqshbandi and Ghulam Mohammad Safi also briefed the OIC delegations about the current situation of violation of human rights in IoK. They also presented a memorandum to OIC Secretary General Hussain Ibrahim Taha.

    APHC is a united political front to raise the cause of Kashmiri separatism in the Kashmir conflict.

  • ‘Amazed that the sex crimes, child abuse, rape fastest growing crime in Pakistan’: PM Khan tells OIC

    ‘Amazed that the sex crimes, child abuse, rape fastest growing crime in Pakistan’: PM Khan tells OIC

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan said, “We have failed both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir. I am sad to say that we have been able to make no impact at all.”

    The premier delivered a keynote address at the inaugural session of the 48th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Tuesday.

    “We (Muslims) are 1.5 billion people and yet our voice to stop this blatant injustice is insignificant.”

    “Why was Islam equated with terrorism?” questioned PM Imran

    The premier began his speech by congratulating the Muslim world for the recent adoption of a resolution against Islamophobia by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), that proclaims March 15 as International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

    “Why was Islam equated with terrorism?” Imran questioned, and referred to the Christchurch attack on a mosque as a consequence of this stereotyping.

    “Once that happens, how is the man in the street in Western countries, how is he supposed to differentiate between a moderate Muslim and a radical Muslim? Hence, this man walks into a mosque and shoots everyone he could.”

    “What should have been done wasn’t; the heads of Muslim countries should have taken a stand on this. Unfortunately, this narrative of Islamic terrorism, Islamic radicalisation, this narrative went on unchecked.”

    India does not feel any pressure

    The premier said that the international community promised the Kashmiris the right to decide their destiny through a plebiscite. That right was never given to them, he stated.

    He said that it was because India does not feel any pressure.

    PM Imran Khan asked the OIC nations to have a united front or else these abuses will continue.

    The world is “headed in the wrong way”

    In response to this wave of Islamophobia, PM Imran said, some Muslim heads of state said they were moderate Muslims. “When you say this, you automatically say there are some extremist Muslims.”

    The premier also spoke about the global situation, expressing his apprehension that the world is “headed in the wrong way”.

    A new Cold War had almost started and the world could be divided into blocs, he said, stressing that unless 1.5bn Muslims took a united stand, “we will be nowhere.”

    He said it was “extremely important” to stabilise Afghanistan because it was the “only way we are going to be able to stop international terrorism from Afghan soil”.

    “Let’s not be delusional that some other country can come in and fight terrorism through drones. The only way is a stable Afghanistan government that can take care of terrorism.

    “Anyone who knows the Afghan character should be cautioned, please do not push the people of Afghanistan where they feel their sovereignty is being threatened.”

    Pakistan has an increased divorce rate, rising vulgarity, which is because the more society gets permissive, the more it has a direct impact on the family system

    The premier said that when he became the prime minister of Pakistan he asked the police chief about the crime chart.

    “I was amazed to see that the sex crimes, child abuse, and rape are the fastest growing crime in this country.”

    PM Imran Khan went on to say that Pakistan has an increased divorce rate, rising vulgarity, which is because the more society gets permissive, the more it has a direct impact on the family system.

    He said that one of the most important things about Islam is that it protects the family system, it has values like respecting parents and teachers.

    “But [with] the culture that is coming through social media, we really need to think how we are going to protect our generations,” PM Imran Khan said.

    Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi welcomed the OIC foreign ministers to the conference and said that it is a matter of pride for Pakistan to host the 48th session in 2022, which marks the 77th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence.

    “The OIC is the collective voice of nearly two billion Muslims. It is the bridge among the Muslim nations and between the Muslim world and the international community,” he said.

  • ‘Political unrest’: Will there be a clash between govt and Opposition?

    ‘Political unrest’: Will there be a clash between govt and Opposition?

    The federal capital is bracing for trouble as both government and Opposition are in full action. Since the no-confidence motion has been submitted, the political chessboard has been a mess.

    From witnessing a thundering prime minister and rather threatening federal ministers to equally vocal Opposition leaders, Pakistan politics has had much to offer in the month of March. Political analysts are calling the government ‘rather desperate’ and the Opposition ‘aggressive’.

    Who will win the tug of war to power is yet to be decided as Islamabad might witness two long marches, the OIC, Pakistan Day Parade, and the vote of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will enter Islamabad on March 25 instead of March 23.

    PM Khan has announced to hold a historic gathering on March 27.

    The Current reached out to political analysts and senior journalists and asked whether there will be a clash on March 27.

    The government is not going in the right direction: Hamid Mir

    Senior journalist Hamid Mir, while speaking with The Current, said that seeing how Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is doing its governance, the government is not headed in the right direction.

    There will definitely be a clash: Asma Shirazi

    Senior political analyst Asma Shirazi said that seeing the unrest in the country, a clash between the government and opposition is “definitely possible”.

    Shirazi said that seeing the ministers and how they are reacting and giving statements, it seems unlikely that a clash can be avoided. “The government needs to understand that maintaining law and order is highly important,” said Shirazi.

    Agar million na bhi aye, 10 hazar bhi aye tu system ko khatra hai: Sabir Shakir

    Anchorperson Sabir Shakir said that both the government and Opposition want a power show. Their display of power will be the problem.

    Commenting on how the government officials are saying that they will gather one million people on D-Chowk on March 27, Shakir said, “Agar million na bhi ain, 10 hazar bhi aye tu system ko khatra hai [Even if a million people don’t turn up, 10 thousand people too can prove dangerous for law and order.]”

    Followers of PM Khan learn from his misbehaving tone and apply the same: Sana Bucha

    Journalist Sana Bucha categorically said that Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf and Prime Minister Imran Khan seem rather aggressive and desperate right now. In the past, we have seen them misbehaving and even now PM Khan is saying that the people of Pakistan need to do ‘Jihad’ against the Opposition, she said.

    “The followers of PM Khan learn from his misbehaving tone and apply the same [when given a chance],” said Bucha.

    “I am very certain that batamizi will happen,” added Bucha.

    If all is well and the house is in order, why is the government trying to be hostile: Ajmal Jami

    Anchorperson Ajmal Jami, commenting on the recent political temperature, questioned the government for showing aggression.

    “If all is well and the house is in order, why is the government trying to be hostile?” questioned Jami.

    Jami also commented on the PML-Q leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s statement where he asked the government and Opposition to call off the long marches as it was not the job of the government to hold marches. Jami said that it was a heavy statement.

    “Chaudhry’s statement carried a lot of importance and weightage here, the government must not take it as a filler but consider it by all means,” said Jami.

    There is worry and tension on the government’s end: Ayesha Baksh

    Anchorperson Ayesha Baksh has said that both the Opposition and the government are challenging each other.

    “There is worry and tension on the government’s end,” said Baksh.

    “All concerned people should be active in the federal capital, the government is bringing matters on the road,” said Baksh.

  • COAS Bajwa orders tight security for OIC meeting, PDM changes long march dates

    COAS Bajwa orders tight security for OIC meeting, PDM changes long march dates

    In a Corps Commanders’ Conference held at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa ordered that the security in the federal capital must be increased and comprehensive security measures should be taken for the safe conduct of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) foreign ministers’ meeting (March 22-23) and the March 23 Pakistan Day parade in the capital.

    For the OIC meeting in Pakistan, 48 countries have confirmed their participation.

    Due to the high-profile events taking place next week, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reviewed their march dates. While talking to reporters, he announced that the participants would now enter Islamabad on March 25 instead of March 23.

    “OIC’s foreign ministers are our guests and it is our duty to respect them as they will remain in Islamabad till March 24,” Fazl added.

    PDM chief denied that the Opposition was copying the ruling party by holding the long march. He reminded everyone that they had given the call for the long march some three months ago.

    At the Corps Commanders’ Conference, the recent incident of India’s missile firing at Pakistan was also discussed. It was emphasised that despite Indian acknowledgment of the mistake, relevant international forums must take a serious view.

    Gen Bajwa also lauded the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, which is a major concern especially because of recent incidents.

  • National Assembly ‘not available’ for no-trust move against PM Khan

    The National Assembly (NA) Hall and its lobbies are currently being renovated for the March 23 meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

    The Opposition may not be able to move the no-trust motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan due to the ongoing renovation.

    It is being said that the renovation will take another month to complete.

    Senior journalist Nasim Zehra tweeted about the renovation and added, “So no NA session. Some plan.”

    NA Speaker Asad Qaiser said that the National Assembly Hall is being prepared for the upcoming meeting of the OIC, which is going to be held on March 23, reports The News. 

    When asked what would happen if the Opposition parties move the no-trust motion in the next coming days, he said that he would ask his secretariat to consider where the session could be held in case of the non-availability of the National Assembly hall and its lobbies, reported the news outlet.

  • ‘Political humiliation awaits, don’t create any problem for law’: Rasheed warns Opposition

    ‘Political humiliation awaits, don’t create any problem for law’: Rasheed warns Opposition

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed on Wednesday said that the government will not create any hurdles for the Opposition but also warned that doing so would result in “political humiliation” for the Opposition alliance.

    Addressing a ceremony in Rawalpindi, Rasheed said, “If you want to anger them (representatives of OIC countries) for the sake of your personal politics then come on March 23 and don’t [change the date]. Come on [March] 23 and God willing, you will face a political defeat and be humiliated.”

    “We will create no problem for you if you don’t create any problem for the law.”

    “What is your agenda? Why are you marching towards Islamabad?” the interior minister asked the Opposition, as he reiterated that they would face no resistance from the government.

    “I kept telling them [to change their date] for a month. If they think they are very intelligent, if they were actually intelligent then maybe we might have faced a legal threat from them today … now come on March 23 and be humiliated,” Rasheed reiterated.

    “The only thing they have done is give irresponsible statements against Imran Khan. The public did not come out on the streets in the last 3.5 years, and they will not come out now,” he said.

    Rasheed said PM Imran Khan was “an honest man”, who had a good relationship with the “establishment”.

    He warned the Opposition that the prime minister would indeed be “very dangerous” if he were to take to the streets against it. “I say this with authority: Imran Khan has street power.”

    Earlier this week, Rasheed urged the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to defer its long march, warning the Opposition of a potential terror threat.

    “Both Prime Minister Imran Khan and I love this country as much you (Opposition) do, but remember there is a terrorism threat on March 23,” he added.

  • Sheikh Rasheed warns of terror threat against Opposition’s long march, urges them to defer plan

    Sheikh Rasheed warns of terror threat against Opposition’s long march, urges them to defer plan

     Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has urged the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to defer its long march, warning the Opposition of a potential terror threat.

    “Both Prime Minister Imran Khan and I love this country as much you (Opposition) do, but remember there is a terrorism threat on March 23,” he added.

    The minister said that he is not “afraid of PDM’s long march but there are terrorism threats”, adding that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was also told not to stage a procession in Rawalpindi because of security reasons but she went ahead with it despite the warnings.

    “Half of Islamabad will be under the control of [the government] and jammers will be installed there,” said Rasheed, adding that on March 23, foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries will attend the Pakistan Day parade.

    “How will the Opposition [mark its influence] under such circumstances?” the minister questioned. 

    Rasheed said that he would suggest that the PDM show “strength in Islamabad on March 17 or 27”.

    Rasheed further said that after India faced its “biggest defeat” in Afghanistan, its intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was now paying local criminals in Pakistan to sabotage peace here.

    Shedding light on talks between the government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Rasheed said the talks were not being held anymore.

    “Talks are not possible with those [elements] who are against the integrity of Pakistan,” he underlined.