OIC wrap-up
Only our most recent PM has pushed for a change with emphasis on science and technology
Introspection and reflection were a reasonable part of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statements at the OIC meeting. Conversely, criticism of fellow Muslim nations was also made.
Although we loathe finger-pointing when there is a problem, owed to our habitual tendencies to deal with issues subjectively rather than objectively, some of PM Khan’s words ring true. The exchanges at the OIC meeting were significant and relevant.
There is a need for fellow nations and Pakistan to pay heed and fix certain ways in which catastrophes and conflict within the Islamic world are dealt, to realise the full potential of the consortium. Pakistan also has a strong position as a key player in facilitating ties between OIC nations — especially Saudi Arabia, and Iran, but a challenging one nonetheless.
Islamophobia is a real phenomenon. With a right-wing president as the head of a nation wielding the most power, people’s biases and prejudices have come to the fore. Global violence against certain races and religions is rampant and thus, it was responsible of PM Khan to draw attention to the issue.
However, there is a need for introspection by Pakistan itself; blaming only the West is too convenient. PM Khan’s credibility would be greater in putting these thoughts forth if discrimination, oppression and injustice within Pakistan would be better handled.
On the topic of advancement in the Muslim world, there is a genuine need to play catch up. Education is an investment in facilitating Muslim countries and peoples in achieving higher ranks of scholarship. Instead, we are too focused on economics and damage to egos and reputations, which could be the downfall of Islamic nations.
While they might have willpower to fix internal issues, there is often a failure to recognise problems, and conflicts have continued for decades. Leaders tend to assert their parties as completely capable. Only our most recent PM has pushed for a change with emphasis on science and technology.
Muslim countries should be on a par with one another and take examples from countries which have a harmonious symbiotic relationship with science and religion to tackle real issues.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2019.
Although we loathe finger-pointing when there is a problem, owed to our habitual tendencies to deal with issues subjectively rather than objectively, some of PM Khan’s words ring true. The exchanges at the OIC meeting were significant and relevant.
There is a need for fellow nations and Pakistan to pay heed and fix certain ways in which catastrophes and conflict within the Islamic world are dealt, to realise the full potential of the consortium. Pakistan also has a strong position as a key player in facilitating ties between OIC nations — especially Saudi Arabia, and Iran, but a challenging one nonetheless.
Islamophobia is a real phenomenon. With a right-wing president as the head of a nation wielding the most power, people’s biases and prejudices have come to the fore. Global violence against certain races and religions is rampant and thus, it was responsible of PM Khan to draw attention to the issue.
However, there is a need for introspection by Pakistan itself; blaming only the West is too convenient. PM Khan’s credibility would be greater in putting these thoughts forth if discrimination, oppression and injustice within Pakistan would be better handled.
On the topic of advancement in the Muslim world, there is a genuine need to play catch up. Education is an investment in facilitating Muslim countries and peoples in achieving higher ranks of scholarship. Instead, we are too focused on economics and damage to egos and reputations, which could be the downfall of Islamic nations.
While they might have willpower to fix internal issues, there is often a failure to recognise problems, and conflicts have continued for decades. Leaders tend to assert their parties as completely capable. Only our most recent PM has pushed for a change with emphasis on science and technology.
Muslim countries should be on a par with one another and take examples from countries which have a harmonious symbiotic relationship with science and religion to tackle real issues.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2019.