OIC CFM Islamabad: Pakistan proposes six-point plan to fix Afghanistan’s woes
OIC CFM Islamabad: Pakistan on Sunday proposed a six-point strategy to address Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, food security and economic revival besides its institutional capacity building to counter the threat of terrorism.
This was proposed by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in his opening address at the 17th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFMs) of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) being held at Parliament House, Islamabad.
Mr Qureshi, who is also the chair of the session, also proposed creating a mechanism within the OIC countries for sustainable humanitarian and financial support to the Afghanistan government.
The foreign minister also called for increased investments in the education and vocational sectors of Afghanistan, either bilaterally or through the OIC platform.
He also proposed the establishment of an expert group of the OIC and UN officials to revive the banking sector in Afghanistan that collapsed after the Taliban took over Kabul.
Qureshi also called for enhanced engagement with Afghanistan for political and social inclusivity besides ensuring respect for fundamental rights, particularly women’s rights.
The FM commended Saudi Arabia for convening the session as OIC chair and trusting Pakistan to host the extraordinary moot. Besides other delegates, he also welcomed the Secretary-General OIC for rapid mobilisation and arrangements for the session on short notice.
According to the foreign minister, said the gathering of OIC leaders at a short notice also reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
Calling it a matter of survival, the foreign minister said over half of the Afghan population faced food shortage, which made the population of two-thirds UN member states.
He said Pakistan had hosted an OIC session on Afghanistan in 1980 and after 41 years, Pakistan is obliged to host another session on the humanitarian crisis in the same country as the sufferings of the Afghan people haven’t ended.
Qureshi referred to the World Food Program, which warned that Afghanistan could face the largest humanitarian crisis in the world and the United Nations also warned of a similar situation.
He said it was a moment to stand up and that Afghan people must be supported without any condition.
OIC moot kicks off
The 17th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of OIC started at the National Assembly on Sunday (today) with 20 foreign ministers and 10 deputy foreign ministers in attendance from across the Muslim world.
Convened by Saudi Arabia as OIC chair and being hosted by Pakistan, 70 delegates are participating in the historic session which would discuss the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The session is being chaired by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who made the opening remarks.
The extraordinary session of the OIC holds great significance as part of the growing international concern about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the urgent need to address it.
Besides OIC members and observers, the UN system, International Financial Institutions (IFIs), international and regional organisations, and non-OIC members, including the P-5, EU, and major countries like Germany and Japan, are among the other invitees.
At the inaugural session, Prime Minister Imran Khan will make a keynote address to highlight the situation and draw world attention towards the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud, the OIC Summit Chair, Secretary-General of the OIC Hissein Brahim Taha will also deliver addresses.
Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud 
Hissein Brahim Taha
Moreover, the session will also mark the statements on behalf of OIC Regional Groups from Asia, Africa and Arab, as well as President Islamic Development Bank Dr Muhammad Al-Jasser.
