The recent D-8 summit in November proved that the D-8 can easily replace OIC. The main aim of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) was to bind its Muslim member countries under one umbrella in order to solve their problems and provide one platform for them. Unfortunately the OIC has proved to be ineffectual for the Muslim world because of its inactive, dormant and lethargic role.
With 57 counties as its members, OIC is the second largest organization after the UN. Though its objective was to preserve Islamic social and economics values and promote trade and bilateral cooperation among the member countries, it could do nothing but hold meetings on regular basis. If the OIC becomes serious in resolving the issues which are undermining the Muslim countries, it could have concentrated on one main issue, i.e., terrorism.
Terrorism is like a wildfire; it has spread all over the world this wildfire which once started in Afghanistan has now completely wrapped the once peaceful Pakistan as well as engulfing the whole Muslim world. The OIC has shown itself as a deaf and dumb observer only their silence is criminal, be it attack on Iraq, threats to Iran, occupation of Afghanistan, Tunis, Libya or Pakistan. Even today when Israel is attacking and killing innocent Palestinians, the OIC appears to be silent.
The Muslim world does not need such a pathetic and lethargic organization which claims to be the representative of 57 Muslim countries and remains silent when they are facing threat to their sovereignty. The member countries of the D-8 must learn a lesson from the useless role played by the OIC and must try to do all possible for unison of the Muslim Ummah. Sincerity and a strong will always bear fruit and the reason for failure of OIC is that it lacked of both.
PROFESSOR ALI SUKHANVER,
Multan, November 30.