OIC stands for Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Consequently, the role of Pakistan in OIC has a privileged status since it is the collective voice of the Muslim world. In December 2021, Pakistan has hosted a special OIC summit to discuss the serious economic crisis happening in Afghanistan after the war. First time in 41 years, the OIC meeting has gathered under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
It is a big achievement and honor of Pakistan to welcome foreign ministers in the OIC meeting at the 17th extraordinary session for three days from December 17–19 held in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. As part of the conference, representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, the World Bank, the European Union, and humanitarian organizations were also invited.
FM of #KSA called on #COAS. Matters of mutual interest, regional security, current situation in Afghanistan & bilateral defence relations were discussed. COAS thanked KSA leadership for convening 17th Extraordinary Session of OIC’ CFM at Islamabad. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/KYIvRImVK6
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 19, 2021
The purpose of this OIC meeting is to discuss strategies for mobilizing support for providing adequate food, medical care, and shelter to millions of Afghans in need following the fall of Kabul in mid-August. As the international community froze millions in assets abroad and withdrew all aid to the country, putting Afghanistan on the brink of economic collapse.
The role of Pakistan in OIC regard to addressing the Afghanistan issue is appreciatable as Afghanistan has already received humanitarian assistance, including food and medicine from Pakistan, and the country has committed to sending 50,000 tons of wheat. Despite the current relationship between India and Pakistan, the Pakistani government has permitted India to send 50,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan through its territory as humanitarian assistance.
Afghanistan has been ruled by the Taliban for more than 100 days but none of the nations in the world have recognized their authority yet. It is expected that the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Conference will play an important role in resolving this crisis.
