Pakistan is one of the founder members of the OIC which was set up in 1969 as a reaction to a a ct of arson in Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Over the years there have been gradual developments in the Organisation’s outlook. In 2008 its revised charter set out to promote human rights, fundamental freedoms, and good governance in all member states. On account of the cultural and political differences in its 57 member states, most failed to abide by the stated ideals. The OIC charter comprises basic minimum agreements that include preservation of Islamic social and economic values; promotion of solidarity amongst member states; increase in cooperation in social, economic, cultural, scientific, and political areas; upholding international peace and security; and advance in education, particularly in the fields of science and technology. It is futile to expect anything from it beyond this.
With some member countries having more clout on account of different reasons they can force the OIC to take arbitrary decisions which are not accepted by others. In 2015 the OIC backed the military action in Yemen finding most members disagreeing with it. In 2019 the UAE invited the Indian Foreign Minister as the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the OIC Foreign Ministers Council leading Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to boycott the session. As the OIC provides member countries a sense of comfort to be a part of the second largest interstate group after the UN, there have been no rebellions in the Organisation.
The OIC members cannot be hectored as was done by PM Imran Khan. One does not invite guests to lavish praises on oneself and castigate the invitees, which is simply bad manners. The PM began his speech congratulating the OIC members for recent adoption of a resolution against Islamophobia by the UN for which the PM gave himself the credit. There is no denying that the OIC has done little to help the Palestine and Kashmir causes. Contrarily, a number of OIC members are improving relations with Israel while the UAE and Saudi businessmen are having investment conferences with Indian counterparts in Occupied Kashmir.
There is a need to be realistic. Cash-strapped Pakistan still needs Arab countries. It should find other ways to help the Palestinians and Kashmiris if the OIC is not wiling. PTI leaders like Asad Umar are doing no service to the country by egging Imran Khan on by saying that “Many Muslim leaders lack courage, but PM Imran has plenty.”
