KARACHI: “We the Delegates from the Islamic countries assembled together … for the First International Islamic Economic Conference, fortified by the conviction that we are united in the pursuit of common ideals through the glorious heritage of Islam which enriches the existence of man by justice, tolerance and brotherhood and which shows the way to progress and to a life of happiness, contentment and dignity for the common man, are pledged to the promotion of International co-operation and peace”.

The above historic words form the preamble of the Declaration prepared by the Steering and Procedure Committee of the IIEC and adopted by the final session of the Conference on Monday [Dec 5] evening… . “We consider that an underdeveloped or a backward area is a challenge to the conscience and the enlightened self-interest of the … world. For the progress … of Islamic countries we recommend …. economic cooperation and mutual exch­ange of knowledge and expansion of trade,” the Declaration went on to say.

… The huge audience was thrilled … and the feeling of Islamic fraternity pervaded the entire hall as the leaders of all the delegations came one by one to the dais to sign the Declaration… .

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2024