QUETTA: A PML-Q leader has called for Muslim countries to form a joint 'Islamic Army’ on the lines of Nato to halt Israeli atrocities on the innocent people of Palestine.

In a statement on Sunday, Salma Hashmi said, “Israeli fighter jets and military tanks have been killing hundreds of innocent Palestinian people including...women and children but the governments of Muslim countries have been issuing just condemning statements”.

She said all Muslim countries must take immediate measures to form a joint army like Nato if they were serious to retaliate against brutal Israeli attacks on Palestinian people.

“When Western countries, including the USA, Britain, France, Canada and others, could join hands to protect their interests by forming a joint military alliance in the shape of Nato then why are Muslim countries reluctant to form a joint Islamic army which should be funded jointly by all Muslim countries,” she said.

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Ms Hashmi said that if billions of dollars that the Arab countries had deposited in American, Swiss and French banks withdrew a big financial crisis would emerge in Western countries.

She also urged the Muslim countries to form their joint bank like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, adding that Arab monarchs and elite classes should transfer their money from Western banks to the proposed joint Islamic bank.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2014