Statement of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi the 43rd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), Tashkent 18-19 October 2016

Secretary General, Iyad Ameen Madani,
Excellency, the Foreign Minister of Republic of Uzbekistan,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates

Asslam-o-Alaikum

Let me begin by expressing our deepest condolences to the government and people of brotherly Uzbekistan, at the passing away of its Founder President, H.E. Islam Karimov. May his soul rest in peace!

I congratulate His Excellency Abdulaziz Kamilov, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on assumption of the Chairmanship of the 43rd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

I thank the Government of Uzbekistan for the excellent arrangements for this Session and the warm hospitality extended to my delegation and me. I would like to offer my felicitations to Acting President Mirzyev, for his bold and farsighted proposals.

I would also like to commend the wisdom and sagacity of His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad al-Sabah, Foreign Minister of Kuwait, as the Chair of the 42nd Session of the Council.

Mr. Chairman,

The topic selected for this session of “Education and Enlightenment-Path to Peace and Creativity” is most appropriate and opportune.

Islam represents tolerance, compassion and justice. It invites us all to think and to reason. These values underpinned the quest for investigation and creativity that enabled Muslim scholars to explore new frontiers of knowledge and the Muslim world to become a center of culture and intellectual excellence. Their contribution to the human civilization ranged from philosophy to algebra, astronomy, astrology, geography and cartography.

These very discoveries of Muslim scientists were used by the Europeans as springboard for the scientific revolution in Europe. Unfortunately, today statistics of Muslim countries on education and science, as well as research and invention, are abysmal.

This has to change. For the peace and prosperity of our peoples, we must revive our glorious tradition of instruction and knowledge creation. We must also strive to counter the scourge of militancy and terrorism, that have nothing to do with Islam – a religion of peace and tolerance.

Pakistan’s military operation Zarb-e-Azb and the National Action Plan has been most successful in eliminating thousands of terrorists and their networks. I assure you of Pakistan’s sincerest cooperation with all countries in the achievement of this noble endeavor.

Mr. Chairman,

My Palestinian brother earlier this morning lamented the sufferings of his people for the past seven decades. In fact, Muslims continue to suffer political injustice and denial of their fundamental rights, especially the right to self-determination in other regions as well. This UN sanctioned right to self-determination is being denied to them on the pretext of falsely characterizing their aspiration as terrorism.

We firmly believe that the long festering tragedy of Palestine demands determined action by the international community. We also fully support the just and fair resolution of the Palestine dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

The people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir are being subjugated to atrocities and are being terrorized for demanding their fundamental human rights, especially the right to self determination, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions.

Since the killing of Kashmiri youth leader Burhan Wani on 8 July 2016, the people of the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir are suffering the worst example of state terrorism, at the hands of the Indian government.

The reign of state terrorism by India has put humanity to shame.

We call for a fair, independent and transparent inquiry into the grave human rights violations of the innocent Kashmiri people, in the occupied territory.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir are grateful for the solidarity of the OIC with them. They look towards the Muslim Ummah’s continued support to them, for the realization of their right to self-determination.

Mr. Chairman,

We need to reject the Indian government’s ridiculous claim that Kashmir is an integral part of India, when the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is recognized by the United Nations, as an international dispute between two sovereign UN member-states.

We condemn the stated intent of India to use water as a weapon against the people of Pakistan, in flagrant violation of its international treaty obligations. This is an action that only an irresponsible state can contemplate. We regret that destabilization and state terrorism in a neighboring country, are being used as a policy by this state, which has a track record of hegemonic actions and interference in other countries as well.

Mr. Chairman,

We desire to see an end to violence and return of peace and stability in Syria.

We support unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.

Pakistan desires lasting peace in Afghanistan, which we believe can be achieved through a politically negotiated settlement. Pakistan will continue facilitating peace talks through the framework of the QCG.

Mr. Chairman,

I assure you of Pakistan’s full support and cooperation during your Chairmanship.

In the spirit of solidarity and fraternity, Pakistan is ready to work with our brothers in faith, for peace and prosperity in our countries and progress of humanity.

I thank you.

Islamabad
18 October 2016

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