PR No. 96 Islamabad, April 11, 2017

President Mamnoon Hussain has urged upon Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to play a proactive role as a single bond in resolving the two oldest disputes in the world which relate to the Muslim peoples of Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir adding that both the issues are very close to our hearts which demand our persistent attention.

The President said this while talking to Dr. Yousef Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General OIC, who along-with a delegation called on him at the Aiwan-e- Sadr, Islamabad on Tuesday.

Welcoming Dr. Yousef Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, on his first visit to Pakistan, the President appreciated OIC and brotherly Muslim countries for expressing solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the realization of their right to self-determination. He commended the recent step taken by OIC in asking the Government of India to facilitate the visit of its Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir to the Indian Occupied Kashmir. The President noted that the visit of delegation of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of OIC to Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the Line of Control last month was important and hoped that its report would carry great deal of credibility and respect. He urged Secretary General to circulate the report to all member states, important capitals of the world and to relevant international forums to highlight the sufferings of the Kashmiri people and the issue of continuous denial of their right of self-determination.

President Mamnoon Hussain said that terrorism is a global threat but unfortunately it is affecting Muslims more than anyone else. The President underscored the need that platform of OIC must be used to build a narrative against extremism and terrorism adding that a narrative coming from the OIC will have high credibility and acceptability with the Ummah.

The President expressed concern at the disturbing rise in the incidents of racial and religious hatred, discrimination, and violence against Muslims and especially against Muslim minorities and asked the Secretary General to consider organizing a high level international event to draw attention of the international community to this end.


The President emphasized that promotion of Science and Technology is critical for the progress and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah adding that Pakistan is committed to further enhancing cooperation among the OIC Member States in this field. He added that Pakistan will extend all possible assistance for hosting the First OIC Summit on Science and Technology in September 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The President said that Pakistan will continue to be a staunch supporter of the goals and objectives of OIC and will remain an active participant in its work to promote and protect the interest of the Ummah. The President congratulated Dr. Yousef Ahmad Al-Othaimeen on assuming the office of OIC Secretary General and expressed confidence that with his rich experience and vast knowledge, he will provide excellent stewardship to the organization.

Dr. Yousef Ahmad Al-Othaimeen said that the agenda of Kashmir issue is at the forefront of OIC and expressed grave concern on the ongoing gross human rights violations and inhuman treatment meted out to the innocent people of Kashmir by the Indian security forces. He stated that OIC will continue to play its due role for just resolution of Kashmir and Palestine disputes in accordance with aspirations of their people. He said that Pakistan is an important and leading member of Muslim World and appreciated its efforts to eradicate the scourge of terrorism. He underscored that he will work towards further strengthening the bond of Muslim Ummah to collectively face and address all the challenges being faced by Muslims around the world.

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