RAWALPINDI, May 29: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Sunday stressed the importance of reforming the Organization of Islamic Conference into a vibrant organization capable of meeting political and economic challenges confronting the Muslim world.
Speaking to the OIC Commission of Eminent Persons, the president said the Muslim world should go for socio-economic development and the Western powers should help resolve political disputes affecting the Muslims. In their two-day deliberations here, members of the commission finalized their recommendations on President Musharraf’s strategy of enlightened moderation, the restructuring of the OIC and a plan of action for the Muslim world.
The commission has floated proposals concerning establishment of an OIC think centre for conflict resolution and one for women’s rights and representation of the Muslim world at the United Nations Security Council as part of UN reforms. The meeting emphasized the need for bridging the gap between the rulers and the ruled through promotion of human rights and democracy.
OIC Secretary-General Prof Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar and Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri also attended the meeting. Senator Mushahid Hussain represents Pakistan at the commission.
The recommendations will be put before the special OIC summit to be held at Makkah by the end of the year. Foreign ministers of Muslim countries will meet in Yemen next month to finalize the recommendations.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said the organization should play a proactive role in removing misperceptions about Islam and promoting inter-faith harmony. During a meeting with Mr Ihsanoglu, the prime minister said the OIC should adopt the concept of ‘enlightened moderation’ as that would be helpful in projecting the true image and spirit of Islam.
The prime minister and the OIC secretary-general underlined the need to promote greater unity and harmony among the Muslims.—APP
