Qaisar Mansoor
As the Council of Foreign Ministers of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) met to discuss the issues faced by the Muslims globally, Minister for Information Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has said it was a matter of pride for every Pakistani that the country was leading the entire Muslim Ummah.
Pakistan created in the name of Islam has always stood with the Muslim brotherhood and holds an important place in the Muslim world. Pakistan has always supported physically and morally the suppressed Muslims of the world and always strive for the unity of Muslim Ummah. Pakistan earned more prominence in the recent years when it unequivocally raised its voice against growing Islamophobia in the West and India and also openly stood against blasphemy.
As Muslims, the majority of the people of Pakistan have strong religious and cultural affinities with Muslims in other parts of the world. In facts the same urge which brought Pakistan into being binds its people with ties of irresistible fellow feeling and affection to other Muslims. Constitution of Pakistan also lays down guidelines for the conduct of foreign policy of the country.
Article 40 of the constitution provides that: “The State shall endeavours to preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslims countries based on Islamic unity, support the common interests of the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America, promote international peace and security, foster goodwill and friendly relations among all nations and encourage the settlements of international disputes by peaceful means.” The basic objective of Pakistan’s foreign policy is the security of Pakistan’s ideology, working for Islam and building of brotherhood amongst the Muslims nations. Pakistan has always not only tried for building better relations with Muslims countries but whenever there was some risk of controversy amongst Muslim countries, Pakistan also made every possible effort for reconciliation.
Pakistan has expressed horror ta the Burmese government’s brutal crackdown against the Rohingya, which Human Rights Watch found bears all the hallmarks of an “ethnic cleansing” campaign. Pakistan urged the International community to work together to “mitigate” the simmering Rohingya crisis. Pakistan remains a staunch support of the creating of an independent Palestinian state, and in line with its pro-Palestinian doctrine, does not recognize the State of Israel.
Pakistan is committed to continuing extending political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiris in their struggle for right to self-determination. As Jinnah pointed out in 1948. “we are all passing through perilous times. The drama of power politics that is being staged in Palestine, Indonesia and Kashmir should serve as an eye opener to us [in the Muslims world]. It is only by putting up a united front that we can make our voice felt in the councils of the world.
