Promoting a new spirit in Ummah

For Pakistan it is a matter of great pride and honour that it is hosting the 48^th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers at a critical time when the Muslim countries are facing daunting external and internal challenges. Muslims are under pressure in Europe where their cultural and social norms are being targeted. In India a deliberate campaign of reducing them to a lower status is raging with full complicity of the BJP government. The repression of Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang province continues although the government claims the situation has vastly improved. In Burma blatant oppression of Muslims bordering on genocide is the norm. In Sri Lanka prejudice of Muslims runs high and this is only to cite a few. It is expected the foreign ministers would seriously reflect on these issues and suggest measures to counter the overall decline of Muslims and the spread of Islamophobia. And give concrete policy guidelines to restore and regain the prestige and respect that we as Muslims and citizens of the world deserve. In this endeavour the responsibility of major Muslim countries would be critical.

The role of Saudi Arabia in conceptualising, funding and in the creation of OIC has been fundamental. The contribution of Turkey, Iran and several other countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE and Qatar has been also noteworthy. Pakistan, clearly from its very inception, has been one of the leading proponents of Islamic solidarity and in bringing Muslim nations on a common platform. The role of late PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in raising the profile and potential of the OIC was indeed creditable. However, over a period of time the differences among the Muslim countries, lack of solidarity in standing on any major issue, whether it be Palestine, Kashmir, recognition of Israel or treatment of Muslims in India, China or Burma have weakened the organisation. Most of these issues are on the agenda and will be discussed. Although recent experience regarding recognition of Israel by certain Muslim countries once again confirms the reality that immediate national interests are paramount. Or these countries have come to the conclusion that the power differential does not give any hope for a change. So, it may be advisable to break the stalemate and engage with Israel and win at least the goodwill of the US and the West and boost one’s economy. Although by taking a collective position on Israel, even if it meant recognition, then due to greater weightage, Israel’s discriminatory policies toward Palestinians could have been softened and a long-term solution worked out.

The question of recognition of the Taliban government and the dire economic situation of Afghanistan is another important subject which is scheduled to be discussed at the OIC and decisions taken so that the suffering of the people is mitigated.

Even those Muslim countries that are blessed with enormous natural resources of oil and gas are dependent on the West, China or Japan for its exploitation and it is not that easy for them to take independent positions in foreign or fiscal and monetary policies.

The fundamental weakness that is having the most damaging impact on Muslims is their lagging behind in the quality and spread of education, especially in the fields of science and technology. This has a direct impact on the industrial development, agricultural output and several other areas. There is hardly any university or school of learning in the Muslim countries that ranks very high at the global level. It is therefore not surprising that it is rare that in science, engineering or for that matter in any major discipline Muslims earn international distinction or are credited for innovation or excellence. It is not that the Muslims or nationals of Muslim countries lack talent or in anyway inferior to others. Their lagging behind is primarily attributable to poor quality education, lopsided national priorities and chaotic governance that do not allow talent to be thrown up.

There are serious issues of African states especially the prevailing situation in Central and West Africa; and the political instability and economic deprivation of countries like the Republic of Mali and Guinea. These issues also are likely to be taken up by the OIC conference and by its committees. The Saudi and Arab foreign ministers are expected to discuss the developments in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan and Somalia. The threat of terrorism and resurgence of IS and other terrorist organisations would also be discussed and should be of interest to most of the participants. The pitiable stateless Rohingya people who were subjected to genocide by successive Burmese governments will also be discussed by the relevant Committee on Accountability for Human Rights Violations. The current state of Islamophobia would obviously be subject of great interest and attention for the foreign ministers. What measures are to be taken at the collective level to counter it is on the agenda, with Pakistan and Turkey perhaps taking the lead in proposing a line of action. Prime Minister Imran Khan has been a bold proponent in raising its awareness at different global and national forums.

In addition, the conference plans to cover a broad agenda dealing with a vast array of economic, social and humanitarian issues. The state of science and technology in Muslim countries and potential of cooperation between them should be of particular interest to the delegates. Seeking support from technologically advanced countries and promoting high quality education in science and related subjects should also be a priority.

There is also likely to be a brainstorming session on the subject “the role of the Islamic World in promoting peace, justice and harmony” and many emerging issues and topics that are current on the international scene.

While Pakistan and PM Imran can take credit for echoing a strong message of solidarity of the Ummah, it should be matched by actions within the country and reflect the spirit of brotherhood at home as well. Otherwise, Pakistan’s message of Ummah’s unity and progress will fail to carry much weight and remain in the realm of rhetoric.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2022.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.