PM urges OIC to de-link terrorism with Islam

Prime Minister Imran Khan urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) leaders to take a stand and de-link Islam with terrorism as some western countries are suffering from Islamophobia.

Leaders of OIC met in Saudi Arabia on Saturday for the 14th session of the Summit. These Muslim leaders discussed critical issues, ranging from tensions in the Persian Gulf, to Palestinian statehood, the plight of Rohingya refugees and threat of Islamophobia.

Addressing the 14th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Makkah, the premier started off by saying that whenever someone from the West blasphemes our Holy Prophet (PBUH), he always felt that the response from the Muslim Ummah and OIC was lacking.

He said OIC leaders owe a responsibility to the Muslim world. "When anyone in the Western world blasphemes our Holy Prophet (PBUH), it is a failiure of OIC that we have not been able to explain to the West the love and affection we feel we feel for our Holy Prophet,” PM Khan further said.

He added that he wants to use this forum to talk to the OIC about explaining to the West that their idea of freedom of expression can not hurt the sentiments of 1.3 billion people under the garb of freedom of expression. He also called on the OIC to stand up against oppression of Muslims in the world.

"The Western World has equated radical Islam with terrorism and this has done tremendous amount of disservice to the Muslim world. It has led to Islamohobia; the words radical Islam have been used to define terrorism. We must de-link terrorism with Islam" the prime minister further said.

The premier addressing his second point brought up Palestine and contended that there must be a two state solution and the annexation of Golan heights must end.

Addressing the issue of Kashmir, the premier said that the people of Kashmir must also have their right to self determination. "Us as a body the OIC, must stand against the oppression happening with the Muslim world," he added.