Ladies and Gentlemen, Happy Pakistan Day
Welcome to this press briefing that I would like to focus primarily on the 48th Session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers that Pakistan has hosted from 22-23 March 2022. The Conference was a resounding success on all counts - from organizational and management points of view to substantive preparations and outcomes.
Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of independence, the Conference is a landmark in Pakistan’s history and in the context of our leading role in the Islamic world. It was a great event for Pakistan’s diplomacy.
Being the regular Session, the Conference had a full agenda, and the Foreign Ministers adopted a whole range of significant outcomes - declarations, communiqués and resolutions.
In the Joint Stakeout last night, the Foreign Minister and the OIC Secretary-General highlighted some of the key outcomes.
Let me present to you the context, objectives and achievements of this Conference in a little bit more detail.
Significance and context:
The meeting took place in the backdrop of conflicts and tensions around the world, persistent denial of justice, and rising inequalities.
There are opportunities in the economic, scientific and technological areas that need to be tapped.
To overcome these challenges and to leverage opportunities, partnerships are essential among the Islamic world and beyond.
Therefore Pakistan’s presentation of an overarching theme: “Partnering for Unity, Justice and Development” meant a realistic appraisal of current challenges and opportunities faced by the Muslim Ummah, and presentation of shared vision and plans to address them.
The CFM articulated a clear message that the Muslim world was desirous of becoming a partner in peace, not conflict.
The CFM once again recognized Pakistan’s leading role in the OIC. The meeting also sent out a special expression of solidarity with the people of Pakistan on the country’s 75th anniversary of Independence.
Pakistan’s prominent role in the OIC is evident by:
• A) Robust Participation: Over 800 foreign delegates; over 45 Ministerial level participants, high level dignitaries - from OIC Member & Observer States, and international and regional organizations. And the important and unprecedented participation by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as a Special Guest.
• B) Robust Engagement: This CFM was the 7th high-level OIC meeting convened by Pakistan since the organizations’ establishment in 1969: (two Summits in Feb. 1974 and March 1997); five CFMs (Dec. 1970, May 1980, April 1993, May 2007, and March 2022), besides three Extra-ordinary Sessions.
Major Outcomes (Overall)
• Key indicators: 1) Islamabad Declaration; 2) Forceful resolution on Jammu and Kashmir Dispute; 3) Comprehensive Joint Communiqué and an Action Plan by the Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir; 4) Strong resolution on Palestine; 5) Operationalization of OIC Humanitarian Trust Fund on Afghanistan; 6) Appointment of OIC Special Envoy on Islamophobia; 7) Resolution on threats to peace and security in South Asia - grave concerns over Indian missile launch incident of 9 March; 8) Pakistan’s proposal to convene a Ministerial Conference to identify mechanisms and tools for promotion of peace and prevention of conflicts in the Muslim world.
• 140 resolutions on the entire range of political, security, humanitarian, economic, social, legal and financial issues; Muslim minorities, Islamophobia, Arms Control, Terrorism, COVID-19 response, Illicit Financial Flows and Corruption, Mediation, OIC Reforms.
• 20 resolutions sponsored or co-sponsored by Pakistan: Jammu and Kashmir, Arms Control, Peace and Security in South Asia, UN Security Council reform, Muslim Minorities, Situation in Afghanistan, Islamophobia, Countering Terrorism, Illicit Financial Flows, Combatting Corruption, COVID-19 Response, Pakistan’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
Key Outcomes from Pakistan’s perspective
Jammu and Kashmir Dispute; Eight indicators
• 1) Unanimous adoption of a forceful resolution on Jammu and Kashmir dispute:2) robust advocacy by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister; 3) strong expressions of support and solidarity in statements by OIC Secretary General, Saudi Arabia, Niger, Asian, Arab and African Groups, China in the inaugural session, plus statements by many other delegations; 4) adoption of comprehensive Joint Communiqué by J&K Contact Group; 5) Action Plan by Contact Group and its approval by CFM; 6) Presentation of visit reports by OIC Special Envoy on Jammu and Kashmir, IPHRC and ASG for Humanitarian Affairs; 7) strong reiteration of solidarity and support in Islamabad Declaration; 8) endorsement of Pakistan’s position on legal, diplomatic, human rights, humanitarian and peace and security dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.
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Main highlights of OIC Resolution on Jammu and Kashmir Dispute:
• Strong expression of support and solidarity with the Kashmiri people; their inalienable right to self-determination and rejection of Indian attempts to equate their just cause for freedom from Indian occupation with terrorism
• Emphasis that the question of Jammu and Kashmir is of utmost importance for Muslim Ummah, and required a unified position from Member States at international fora;
• Robust endorsement of support for settlement of the dispute in accordance with UNSC resolutions, its final disposition under UN supervised plebiscite and the indispensability of its just settlement for durable peace in South Asia
• Reiteration of rejection of India’s unilateral and illegal actions since 5 August 2019, and the demand from India to reverse those actions including demographic changes
• Deplores human rights violations in IIOJK; and calls for issuance of updated report by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir: Highlights
• On CFM sidelines, a Ministerial meeting of the OIC Contact Group on J& K was held. This was the sixth meeting of the Contact Group since 5 August 2019.
• The Group adopted a comprehensive Joint Communiqué that articulates OIC’s unified position on the human rights, humanitarian, peace and security and legal dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
• The Group also adopted a forward-looking plan of action on Jammu and Kashmir outlining measures and activities by OIC Member States, the Contact Group, the OIC Secretary General and OIC Secretariat, the OIC’s Human Rights Commission, the OIC Special Envoy on J& K and OIC subsidiary organs to advance the Kashmir cause.
• The reports on the visits of Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Jammu and Kashmir and Assistant Secretary General (Humanitarian Affairs) and IPHRC to Pakistan and AJK in 2021 were presented to the CFM.
Situation in Afghanistan: Highlights
• Presentation of report by the OIC Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Afghanistan to the CFM on progress achieved on decisions reached at the December 2021 Extra-ordinary Meeting, and on a comprehensive OIC vision for its continued engagement with the country.
• OIC Humanitarian Trust Fund operationalized during the CFM; Charter of the Fund signed by OIC SG and President of Islamic Development Bank on 21 March in presence of the Foreign Minister.
• Adoption of a comprehensive resolution on Afghanistan covering political, security, humanitarian and economic aspects-sponsored by Pakistan.
• Agreement by CFM to provide adequate financial support to the office of the OIC Special Envoy and to strengthen the OIC Mission in Kabul.
Islamophobia and Related Subjects: Highlights
• Adoption of a comprehensive resolution on Islamophobia with substantial inputs by Pakistan.
• CFM decision to appoint OIC Special Envoy on Islamophobia to lead collective efforts on the organization’s behalf.
• Welcoming of the unanimous adoption of UN General Assembly proclaiming 15 March as International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This process, as you know was led by Pakistan since 47th CFM in Niger.
• Proposals to strengthen the OIC’s Islamophobia Observatory: to continue documentation of Islamophobic incidents and preparation of a list of “countries of concern” where Islamophobic policies and actions are prevalent.
• Adoption of comprehensive resolution on Muslim Minorities in non-OIC countries; expressing serious concerns over stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination and violence against Muslims in India.
• Welcoming of establishment of Rehmatullil Aalameen Authority by Pakistan
Strengthening OIC Cooperation to a) Combat Illicit Financial Flows and b) Strengthening Intra-OIC Cooperation against Corruption: Highlights
• Unanimous adoption of the joint Pakistan-Saudi Arabian resolution on Strengthening OIC Cooperation to prevent and combat Illicit Financial Flows: reiterates call to all States to develop strong legal tools and step-up efforts for recovery and return of stolen assets and illicit financial flows;
• Unanimous adoption of the joint Pakistan-Saudi Arabian resolution on Strengthening Intra-OIC Cooperation on Anti-Corruption: welcomes ‘Islamabad Declaration on Combating Corruption’ hosted by Pakistan in collaboration with OIC-IPHRC on 7 January 2022 and supports OIC Secretariat’s efforts to prepare a draft OIC anti-corruption convention;
COVID-19
• Adoption of Pakistan-Turkey joint resolution on ‘Strengthening Cooperation and Solidarity in response to Covid-19 in the Muslim World’. The resolution:
o calls for vaccine equity- universal, fair, affordable and timely access to COVID-19 vaccines, and related essential health products, equipment and technologies.
o Encourages joint research, trial, development and production among member states in vaccines particularly against Covid-19;
o urges the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) to coordinate with interested Member States, OIC institutions and international partners to establish a consortium of research institutions for strengthening vaccine production in OIC States.
Appreciation for Pakistan’s Initiatives
• Adoption of two new resolutions – felicitating Pakistan’s 75th anniversary of its independence, and expression of grave concerns over launch of a supersonic Indian missile into Pakistan on 9 March. The Ministers endorsed Pakistan’s call for a joint probe into the incident, and expressed serious concern on the threat it posed to regional and international peace and security.
• Appreciation for Pakistan’s ‘10 Billion Tree Tsunami’ initiative to revive forest and wildlife resources.
• Welcoming of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Debt Relief Initiative for developing countries and his advocacy for declaring COVID-19 vaccines and treatments as public good.
• Expression of profound gratitude to Pakistan for its continued support and facilitation to OIC Commission on Science and Technology (COMSTECH), and request for generous support for COMSTECH.
• Lauded Pakistan’s efforts for adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution on “Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue”, acknowledging significance and respect for religious symbols and revered personalities.
Pakistan’s Election to Different OIC Bodies
• Unopposed re-election of Ambassador Tasnim Aslam of Pakistan, as a Member of the OIC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission.
• During the preparatory process for the CFM Session, Pakistan was unanimously elected as a Member of the governing bodies of three OIC institutions, namely Islamic Center for Development and Trade, Casablanca, Islamic University of Technology, Dhaka, Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for the Islamic Countries (SESRIC), Ankara.
Salient Points of the Islamabad Declaration
The Declaration captures the overarching theme of “Partnering for Unity, Justice and Development”.
2. The Declaration’s contents are inspired by noble Islamic values and ideals enshrined in the OIC Charter; and are anchored in the principles and purposes of UN Charter.
3. The Declaration represents our assessment of the global political, security, humanitarian, economic and technological issues and our vision and views to address them. The Declaration articulates the resolve of OIC Member States to:
a. promote and protect our common interests;
b. support our just causes such as Palestine, Kashmir and others;
c. unify our efforts to address common challenges and leverage opportunities;
d. uphold the rights and interests of Muslim minorities in non-OIC countries;
e. pursue a shared vision for greater social, economic, scientific and technological development and integration within the Muslim world and beyond;
4. It reaffirms our collective desire to: promote harmony, tolerance, peaceful co-existence, and better standards of life, human dignity and understanding among all peoples.
5. In the above context, the declarations contains a proposal for convening a Ministerial Meeting, to evolve solutions, develop mechanisms and tools to prevent conflicts and promote peace.
6. It welcomes the unanimous decision of UN General Assembly to proclaim 15 March as International Day to combat Islamophobia as well as the CFM decision to appoint a Special Envoy in this regard.
7. It rejects terrorism in all forms and manifestations and attempts to link this evil to any country, religion, nationality, race or civilization. It reiterates OIC’s strong position against attempts to equate the legitimate struggle of peoples for self-determination with terrorism.
8. The Declaration also articulates our views on the devastating social and economic impacts of COVID-19 as well as climate change on developing countries. It calls for a series of concrete actions on vaccine equity, debt relief, countering of illicit financial flows and fulfillment of climate financing commitments as well as technology transfer and capacity building.
9. It also acknowledges the growing role of innovation and emerging technologies in stimulating growth and digital transformation and expresses our shared resolve to promote linkages and partnerships.
10. On Ukraine, the Declaration expressed deep concern at the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation. It reaffirmed unequivocal support for the universal and consistent application of the principles of the UN Charter, including non-use of force, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and humanitarian law.
11. Having deliberated on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Ministers called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life and ensure that the humanitarian crisis does not worsen in Ukraine. They stressed the need for establishment humanitarian corridors to ensure safe movement of civilians from active conflict zones and the provision of humanitarian supplies. The declaration urged both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue with the purpose of finding a solution to the present conflict. It expressed the willingness of OIC member states to support and facilitate the dialogue process between all sides, if requested.
Other Engagements/Interactions during CFM
We also utilized the presence of Ministerial delegations to have a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines.
Foreign Ministers of Iraq, Egypt, Palestine and China called on the President.
President Islamic Development Bank, Foreign Ministers of Tajikistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, China, Palestine, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq called on the Prime Minister.
The Foreign Minister had meetings with OIC SG, counterparts from Egypt, Tajikistan, Tunisia, China, Bahrain Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Gambia, Turkmenistan, Palestine, Kyrgyz Republic, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand, High Representative for UNAOC, and US Under Secretary of State, and hosted 25 African Heads of Delegations over dinner.
The Foreign Secretary has also held several meetings on the sidelines.
I thank you and am ready take questions.
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