OIC secretary general calls on PM Nawaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned Israel's aggression against Palestine and called upon the International community to play its vital role in forcing Israel to bring an end to aggression against innocent Palestinians. Premier Sharif was talking to Mr Iyad Ameen Madani, the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during their meeting held at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad today. Mr Madani is on an official visit to Pakistan from 4-6 August, accompanied by senior officials from the OIC. This is Mr Madani’s first visit to Pakistan since assumption of the new office in January this year. Both sides discussed a wide range of issues including, the ongoing situation in Gaza, Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and situation in Afghanistan. The both sides discussed issues pertaining to cooperation in the field of science and technology, moreover also on regional and global political issues. The premier Sharif congratulated Mr Madani on his successful election as secretary general of the organisation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support and engagement with the OIC on all issues of importance to the Muslim Ummah. Sharif commended the growing role of the OIC in the international arena and emphasised the its key mandate in promoting important Muslim causes around the world. He also appreciated the OIC’s continued support to the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self determination. The secretary general expressed appreciation for Pakistan‘s active and constructive contributions to the OIC. He informed about recent steps taken by the organisation to condemn Israeli atrocities in Gaza including killing of innocent Palestinian and targeting on Mosques and schools. Mr Madani also expressed concern on the situation of Muslim minorities residing in different countries. The secretary general also assured cooperation in holding the OIC Summit on science and technology in Islamabad next year.