'OIC forms EPG to implement enlightened moderation'

21 Jun, 2004

Foreign minister Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri has said that the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) has been formed by the OIC to deliberate upon the implementation of the enlightened moderation concepts.
"The 31st OIC meeting has decided to implement the concept of enlightened moderation floated by president Pervez Musharraf. The EPG would also contemplate solution of issues confronted by the Islamic world. It would suggest ways and means to put pressure on the world powers for their solutions" he told PTV.
Four to five members of EPG have already been nominated. While three members each would be taken from Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The group would be headed by Malaysia, he added.
The OIC secretariat would be restructured. Trade among the member countries would be enhanced. The rights of women would be protected in the Islamic world, he said.
In short, he said because of the enlightened moderation a thought process in the Islamic world has already emerged. Ultimately it will pave the way for all kinds of reforms in the Islamic world.
All the international level organisations have endorsed Pakistan's point of view on Indian occupied Kashmir. A peace lobby has also emerged in both the countries pressing for solution of all out standing issues between them.
The Indians (in the direct talks) would be told that the just solution of Indian occupied Kashmir could play pivotal role in the development of the subcontinent.
"The people of both the countries were very much in favour of maintaining peace in the region.
"Durable peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolving the core issue of Indian occupied Kashmir acceptable to Pakistan. India and above at the people of Indian occupied Kashmir. It is a challenge for Pakistan as well as for India," he added.
Pakistan does not have any intentions of aggressions against any country. However, minimum credible defence would be maintained at any costs Kasuri said.

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