MAKKAH, Dec 8: President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday voiced Pakistan’s unflinching support for implementing the 10-year plan of action for development of the Muslim world and stressed that the OIC member countries must commit financial resources to enable the organization to steer them forward.
“Pakistan is prepared to contribute more than its share,” he said at a press conference.
The president pointed out that the onus was on the Muslim world to make the extraordinary Makkah summit a beginning for their socio-economic emancipation and scientific and technological advancement.
“It is Ummah which has to act now. I have recommended a financial contribution of 0.01 per cent of GDP from all members, or at least 0.005 per cent, for creation of an OIC fund which is imperative for achieving the avowed objective of development within the Muslim world.”
He said poor countries in the 57-member OIC might be exempted but the rich should come out with greater contributions.
Paying tribute to Saudi King Abdullah for his efforts, he said both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were determined to implement the action plan.
The summit, he said, could be described as a turning point as there was greater realization among the Muslim nations that they must reform the Organization of the Islamic Conference to make it a dynamic and forward-moving body.
Gen Musharraf highlighted the need for making centres of excellence in the Muslim world, saying acquiring expertise in science and technology was critical for rapid development.
He said Pakistan would also contribute through knowledge and provide expertise for laying foundations of fast economic development.
BILATERAL TALKS: Meanwhile, President Musharraf held bilateral meetings with leaders of Egypt, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Senegal, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Mauritania.
With Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, the president discussed the Middle East situation and matters relating to the OIC.
The discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Badawi focused on promotion of economic ties between the two countries.
In his meeting with President Ilham Alyev of Azerbaijan, relations between Islamabad and Baku were discussed. Mr Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan’s principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The president conveyed Pakistan’s support to Azerbaijan on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
The president thanked his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai for Kabul’s assistance in the wake of the earthquake.
Gen Musharraf and Tajik President Rahmanov discussed the electricity transmission projects. The two leaders agreed to pursue the matter further.
The president thanked Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for Dhaka’s help after the Oct 8 disaster. He assured her of Pakistan’s cooperation in making the Bangladesh chairmanship of Saarc a success.
With President Abdulahi Wade of Senegal, the president exchanged ideas about the reforms and restructuring of the OIC. Sulaiman Tahiyesh, member of the Bosnian Troika Presidency, also met with President Musharraf.
Gen Musharraf also met the president of Mauritania.—APP
