OIC ‘dead’; Pakistan, Iran need find new Muslim alliance: diplomat

Former ambassador of Pakistan to Iran stressed on the need for foundation of a new alliance of Muslim nations, describing the OIC as a “dead and fruitless wood’, AVA Diplomatic reports.

In an interview with IRNA, Shamshad Ahmad Khan suggested that Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia as the big powers of the Muslim world first need to resolve the differences among some major Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia and Iran and then, try to found and start a new and effective alliance of Muslim nations.

“Many problems and challenges that the Islamic nations are currently facing, including the anti-Pakistan strategy announced by the US in recent weeks, is the outcome of lack of a real and effective Muslim alliance in the world. Big powers feel free to do and say whatever they want against Muslims.”

The diplomat also termed the planned visit of Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif to China, Russia, Iran and Turkey to consult on the new US strategy in Afghanistan and South Asia as very important, adding that it would help Pakistan to discuss the new situation with the friendly countries.

“All these four countries are very close friends of Pakistan and have special relations with us.”

He noted that these four countries are already playing major roles in the region so it is good for Pakistan to move forward in formulation of foreign policy after consulting with regional friends.

Former ambassador expressing his views, said Saudi Arabia is also a special friend of Pakistan with whom we have been having consultations on different issues, I think in coming days Saudi Arabia would also be consulted by Pakistan on new US strategy.

Shamshad Ahmad Khan said: We have also very strong relations with Iran and no other country in the world can influence our relationship with Iran but we need to intensify our ties with Iran and must develop convergence on a series of issues.

He also criticized the US for repeatedly accusing Pakistan of fueling terrorism in Afghanistan.

“It is the common behavior of some world powers that they blame the others for their own messes. Same is the case with the US and Pakistan but the US needs to realize that they cannot restore peace in Afghanistan without the support of Pakistan,” he said.