OIC

THE ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC CONFERENCE INTRODUCTION:

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is an international organization with a permanent delegation to the United Nations. The OIC is the symbol of Islamic brotherhood and fraternity. The OIC, in fact, is the realization of the dreams of Islamic world for unity and brotherhood which is the basis of Islamic way of living. It groups 57 member states, from the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Caucasus, Balkans, Southeast Asia and South Asia. THE OIC is a Symbol of Islamic brotherhood and fraternity. The official languages of the organization are Arabic, English and French.

HISTORY:
Since the nineteenth century, many Muslims had aspired to uniting the Muslim Ummah to serve their common political, economic, and social interests. The formation of the OIC happened in the backdrop of the loss of Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. The Zionist (Jews) set on fire to the holy mosque AL-Aqsa on 21st August, 1969 which greatly infuriated, Muslims all over the world. The Muslims now rightly felt that effective steps will have to be taken to protect the Muslims from the exploitation and aggression of nonMuslim forces. For the accomplishment of this objective the Islamic unity was stressed. It was agreed that summit conference of the head of Islamic states be convened to discuss the grave threat posing the Muslim world. The summit meeting of the heads of Islamic states was held at Rabat, capital at Morocco, on 22 nd September, 1969. Shah Hasan, the king of Morocco Presided over the meeting. Pakistan was represented by then the president of Pakistan General Muhammad Yahya Khan. The summit meeting was of great significance because it made clear to the world that the Muslims of the world now united to face any challenge from non-Muslim world. The summit conference decided that an organization of Muslim countries should be set up to protect the rights and interests of Muslims all over the world. The participants unanimously accepted the proposal, thus OIC was established with its secretariat at Jeddah.

FLAG

The flag of the OIC (shown above) has an overall green background (symbolic of Islam). In the centre, there is an upward-facing red crescent enveloped in a white disc. On the disc the words "Allahu Akbar" (Arabic for "Allah is great") are written in Arabic calligraphy.

GOALS:
According to its charter, the OIC aims to:
STRENGTHEN:

CO-operation amongst the Muslim world and to project and protect their interest in international system Economic, cultural, scientific, trade and educational interest of Islamic countries. Brotherly feelings among the Muslim countries.
2. COORDINATE ACTION TO:

a) Safeguard the Holy Places;

b) Support the struggle of the Palestinian people and assist them in recovering their rights and liberating their occupied territories.
3. WORK TO:

a) Eliminate racial discrimination and all forms of colonialism; b) Create a favorable atmosphere for the promotion of cooperation and understanding between Member States and other countries.
PRINCIPLES GOVERNING OIC ACTIVITIES:

The Charter also enumerates the principles governing OIC activities, namely: 1. Full equality among Member States 2. Observation of the right to self determination and non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States 3. Observation of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of each State 4. The settlement of any dispute that might arise among Member States by peaceful means such as negotiations, mediation, conciliation and arbitration 5. A pledge to refrain, in relations among Member States, from resorting to force or threatening to resort to the use of force against the unity and territorial integrity or the political independence of any one of them In order to achieve its objectives, the Organization has main bodies, secondary organs, institutions and specialized committees.
STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION

The OIC system consists of:

THE ISLAMIC SUMMIT

The largest organ, attended by the Kings and the Heads of State and Government of the member states, convenes every three years.
THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE OF FOREIGN MINISTERS

It meets once a year to examine a progress report on the implementation of its decisions taken within the framework of the policy defined by the Islamic Summit.
THE PERMANENT SECRETARIAT

It is the executive organ of the Organization, entrusted with the implementation of the decisions of the two preceding bodies, and is located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The current secretary general of this international organization is Ekmeleddin hsanolu, from Turkey, since January 1, 2005.
STANDING COMMITTEES

* Standing Committee on Information and Cultural Affairs (COMIAC). * Standing Committee on Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC). * Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH). * Islamic Committee for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs. * Permanent Finance Committee. * Financial Control Organ.
SUBSIDIARY ORGANS

* The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), located in Ankara, Turkey. * The Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), located in Istanbul, Turkey. * The Islamic University of Technology, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

* The Islamic Centre for the Development of Trade, located in Casablanca, Morocco. * The Islamic Fiqh Academy, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. * The Executive Bureau of the Islamic Solidarity Fund and its Waqf, located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. * The Islamic University in Niger, located in Say, Niger. * The Islamic University in Uganda, located in Mbale, Uganda.
SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS

* The Islamic social, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), located in Rabat, Morocco. * The Islamic States Broadcasting Organisation (ISBO) and the International Islamic News Agency (IINA), located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
AFFILIATED INSTITUTIONS

* Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), located in Karachi, Pakistan. * World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. * Organisation of Islamic Capitals and Cities (OICC), located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. * Sports Federation of Islamic Solidarity Games, located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. * Islamic Committee of the International Crescent (ICIC), located in Benghazi, Libya. * Islamic Shipowners Association (ISA), located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. * World Federation of International Arab-Islamic Schools located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. * International Association of Islamic Banks (IAIB), located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. * Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation, (ICYF-DC) located in Istanbul, Turkey. * General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions,(CIBAFI)located in Manama, Bahrain.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE OIC

1. Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia): (19711973) 2. Hassan Al-Touhami (Egypt): (19741975) 3. Dr. Amadou Karim Gaye (Senegal): (19751979) 4. Habib Chatty (Tunisia): (19791984) 5. Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada (Pakistan): (19851988) 6. Dr. Hamid Algabid (Niger): (19891996) 7. Dr. Azeddine Laraki (Morocco): (19972000) 8. Dr. Abdelouahed Belkeziz (Morocco): (20012004) 9. Prof.Dr. Ekmeleddin hsanolu (Turkey): (2005 to present)

Observer States Bosnia and Herzegovina Central African Republic Northern Cyprus Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (as 'Turkish Cypriot State') Thailand, Kingdom of Russian Federation Observer Muslim Organizations and Communities Moro National Liberation Front Observer Islamic institutions Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation Observer International Organizations League of Arab States United Nations Non-Aligned Movement Organization of African Unity Economic Cooperation Organization

1994 1997 1979 1998 2005 1977 2000 2005 1975 1976 1977 1977 1995

SUMMIT CONFERENCES
FIRST ISLAMIC CONFERENCE:

The first Islamic conference was held at Rabbat (Morocco) in which 24 Islamic countries participated. The incident of the burning Masjid Al-Aqsa was discussed in detail by the participants. The Middle East situation was also discussed and it was emphasized that a closed contact should be maintained amongst the Muslim countries. It was also decided that in meeting the foreign ministers of the member countries should meet regularly to discuss development in the world in order to keep the OIC inform of the changing horizons of the world politics
SECOND SUMMIT CONFERENCE:

The second summit conference of the OIC was held from 22nd February 1974 to 24th February 1974 at Lahore (Pakistan).Some highly important decisions were taken in this summit meeting. The Middle East problem was given special attention and respectable solution of this problem was urged. Many resolutions, for the stability and solidarity of the Islamic world were passed. The second summit conference stressed on taking practical steps for the safeguard of political, economical and social interests of the Muslim states. A declaration known as "LAHORE DECLARATION" issued at the end of conference contained the guidelines for achieving the objectives of this summit conference. Efforts were also made to bring a reapproachment between Bangladesh and Pakistan. It was decided in this meeting that an Islamic bank will be set up which should extend financial assistance to the member countries in order to reduce their dependence on the developed nations.
THIRD SUMMIT CONFERENCE:

The third Summit Conference of OIC was held at Taif (Saudi Arabia) in January, 1981.thirty eight Muslim countries took part in this meeting. President Zia ul Haq led Pakistan's delegation to the third Summit. King Faisal was appointed as the chairman of the Summit meeting on the proposal of President Zia Ul Haq. The conference paid special attention to the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, Palestine problems, Jerusalem and the Iran-Iraq war. Besides these matters the establishment of Islamic Trade Center, shipping organization of Islamic countries, formation of Islamic Welfare Association, Islamic Solidarity and possibilities for the advancement of scientific technology in the Muslim countries were also discussed.
FOURTH SUMMIT CONFERENCE:

The fourth summit conference of OIC was held at Casablanca (morocco) from 16th January 1984 to 19th January 1984. Forty five Muslim countries took part on the conference. Pakistan was represented by president zia ul haq. King Hassan of morocco inaugurated the conference. some very serious and delicate incidents had taken place in the international politics. Afghanistan had been invaded by the soviet union in 1979. Iran-Iraq war had been going on aimlessly for many years inspired of the hectic efforts made by the OIC to restore peace. Mr.Sharif ud din Pirzada was elected as the secretary general.
FIFTH SUMMIT CONFERENCE:

The fifth Conference of OIC was held at Kuwait in January 1987. All the issues which confronted the Islamic world came under discussion in the fifth summit conference. a communique was issued at the end of summit which is known as "Kuwait declaration". The Islamic world was stressed to resolve their differences with mutual negotiations and try to promote-economic and cultural co-operation between

them.
SIXTH SUMMIT CONFERENCE:

The sixth conference of OIC was held in December 1991 at Dakar (Senegal). The sixth conference discussed the situation which had emerged with Iraq's occupation of Kuwait. The summit vehemently expressed its support for Palestines resistance movement "Intefada" and declared Muslims acquisition of Jerusalem as essential. the summit expressed the sentiments of brotherhood and solidarity with the Kashmiris freedom struggle and showed deep concern and anxiety over the violation of human rights in Kashmir.
SEVENTH SUMMIT CONFERENCE:

The seventh summit conference of OIC was held in December 1994 at Casablanca (Morocco). A number of resolutions concerning Kashmir freedom struggle, Palestine and the problems of the Islamic world were passed.
EIGHT SUMMIT CONFERENCE:

The eight summit conference of the OIC held in December 1997 at Tehran (Iran). Fifty five member countries took part in this conference. "TEHRAN DECLARATION" was issued at the end of conference by which the Kashmiri freedom struggle was supported. The establishment of Islamic Common Market and new judicial system was stressed. NINTH SUMMIT CONFERENCE: The ninth summit conference of the OIC held in November 2000 at Qatar. General Pervaiz Musharraf , the chief Executive of Pakistan led the Pakistani delegation. Full support was extended to the Kashmiri freedom struggle. Israel was asked to leave Palestine.
TENTH SUMMIT CONFERENCE:

The tenth summit conference was held in 16-17.10.2003 Putrajaya Malaysia. The theme for the Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference is Knowledge and Morality for the Progress of Ummah. The theme stresses on two key objectives; knowledge and morality.

ELEVENTH SUMMIT CONFERENCE:

The eleventh Summit conference of OIC was held on 8-14.03.2008 at DAKAR SENEGAL. The Secretary General of the OIC Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu was re-elected for a new term of office at the closing meeting of 11th session of Islamic Summit conference. The new OIC charter was adopted at the Dakar Summit. The Summit also witnesses the setting up of the special programme for the development of Africa (SPDA).

PAKISTAN'S ROLE IN THE OIC

Pakistan has always played a prominent role for the unity and the progress of the Islamic countries. After the emergence of Pakistan as a sovereign state, Quaid e Azam attached great importance to our relations with the Islamic countries and declared Pakistans relations with the Muslim world as the foundation of our foreign policy. Pakistan always came forward to play an affective role for achieving the noble objective of Muslim brotherhood and unity. Pakistan with its legacy rooted in the Islamic faith and its consistent support for Muslim causes, as well as in response to the overwhelming public support for the cause of liberation of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, was a founding member of the OIC in 1969. When OIC was setup, Pakistan became its active member in 1969. Since then Pakistan has been actively taking part in the activities of the OIC aimed at Islamic unity, Solidarity and stability. Pakistan has taken part in all summits and other conferences held under the banner of the OIC and contribute in all respects for the achievement of its objectives. One summit conference and a number of FM conferences were held in Pakistan as a founding member of the OIC Pakistan has an abiding commitment to the purposes,

principles and objectives of its Charter. Pakistan has played an important role in strengthening cooperation among Muslim States by its active participation in the programmes and activities of the OIC. The efforts by Pakistan have received due acknowledgment in the OIC signified by its membership of all key OIC's Specialized Committees and Contact Groups on critical issues of the Islamic world - Palestine, Afghanistan, Jammu & Kashmir, Bosnia, Kosovo and Sahel. Pakistan is the Chairman of the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) which has its Headquarters in Islamabad. Pakistan also hosts the Secretariat of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). The Office of the OIC's Secretary General's Special Representative on Afghanistan is based in Islamabad. The Headquarters of the Islamic Telecommunication Union would also be established in Islamabad. Pakistan is the Chairman of the Council and the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUOICM). Mr. Sharif-ud-Din Pirzada a noted Lawyer and a former Foreign Minister of Pakistan served as the Secretary General of the OIC from 1984 to 1988. Pakistan is a member of all OIC subsidiary, affiliated and specialized Organs. Pakistan hosted the second Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore on 22nd to 24th February 1974. Pakistan also hosted the Second Conference of the OIC Foreign Ministers (ICFM) held in Karachi from 26th to 28 December 1970, Eleventh ICFM in Islamabad from 17th to 22nd May 1980 and the Twentyfirst ICFM held in Karachi on 25th to 29th April 1993. The Special Sessions of the OIC Foreign Ministers Conference in 1980 and in 1994 were also held in Pakistan. To commemorate Fifty years of the Independence of Pakistan an Extra-ordinary Session of the Islamic Summit was held in Islamabad on 23rd March 1997. A large number of the Islamic Heads of State and Government, in a grand gesture of solidarity with Pakistan attended the Summit meeting and conveyed their full support to the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Pakistan on this auspicious occasion.

SUCCESS:
OIC is an organized platform for unity of Muslims and to ensure them that now they can compete from non-Muslim forces together. Key to OIC success is the wide and varied partnerships with governments (federal, state, local), businesses, industries and educational institutions. All of these entities respect and understand the role OIC plays in helping people obtain training, education, employment, health and nutrition services leading to a life of productivity and self-sufficiency. FAILURE: OIC members represent 22 per cent of the world population; have 2 per cent of the worlds GDP, 1.3 per cent of the world trade and only 1.5 per cent of the investments. Twenty five per cent of OIC population does not have access to medical facilities or safe drinking water. Half of the population lives below the poverty line classified as the most poor. No Muslim country is in the top list of the Human Development Index or in any other global economic indicators. This depressing picture of the Islamic countries is not limited to the economic and social spheres, in the realm of education and technology the facts are equally disappointing. The OIC member countries possess 70 per cent of the worlds energy resources and 40 per cent of available raw material but their GDP is only 5 per cent of the world GDP. Muslim countries miserably lag behind in education and technology. They produce only 500 PhDs each year as compared to 3,000 in India and 5,000 in the United Kingdom. None of their educational or research institutions or centres of excellence find place in the top 100 in the world. The breakup of Pakistan through armed intervention by India in 1971 , the invasion of Lebanon by Israel in 1982, the Iran-Iraq war, Soviet intervention in Afghanistan and the US occupation of Iraq, have dealt a mortal blow to the unity, dignity and sovereignty of the Muslim world. The OIC has failed to respond meaningfully to any of these crises or demonstrate any unity of thought and action apart from issuing high-sounding declarations at the end of each summit. Nothing was done to contain the crises or avert the tragedies. The OIC remained merely a silent spectator. The Muslim world has abjectly failed to grasp the demands and requirements of the 21st century. The

absolute need to introduce and embrace modern technology has not dawned on its leaders, reflecting their distressing intellectual poverty. The OIC has set up a number of institutions to help in capacity building, knowledge networking in areas of knowledge-driven economy, trade and investments, ICT, quality and productivity, sustainable development, governance and poverty alleviation but to date have no achievement to their credit.
CONCLUSION:

THE Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) completed 40 years of its existence and till today OIC remains the only and the most representative organization for Muslims. The OIC today has 57 Muslim member-states and has held 11 summits in response to the challenges confronting the Muslim world. Since its establishment, OIC is the place to get help, to rebuild hope, to believe in change, and to see change manifested. OIC is a valued community resource.