JEDDAH, 8 December 2005 — Although Kashmir is not on the agenda for the present extraordinary summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), it is a pressing issue which the Muslim Ummah is fully aware of, said Sardar Sikander Hayat Khan, prime minister of Pakistan-administered Kashmir who is in the Kingdom to attend the summit.
The two-day summit of the 57-member OIC is being held in Makkah.
He said, “It’s good that the summit is discussing reformation of the OIC. It’s a historic opportunity and the resolutions will be a turning point in the history of the Muslim world. The reformation of the OIC will enable it to face the challenges of the 21st century. A strong OIC will solve the Kashmir issue as well.”
The prime minister added, “The Kashmir issue has became more important since the arrival of NGOs in the area after the earthquake on Oct. 8 that devastated the area.”
“The cease-fire line increased people’s miseries.”
Responding to a question on whether the deaths in Kashmir would affect the 2007 elections, Sardar Hayat Khan said, “The loss of lives really matter but it will not affect the election. There are 15-16 constituencies in which around 2,500-3,000 people have been killed. But it will not affect the election outcome.”
The rebuilding of Kashmir is estimated to cost some 40 billion rupees and work will begin in April next year, Sardar Hayat told a group of Kashmiris.
“President Parvez Musharraf has made Kashmir a matter of utmost concern, and his appeals to world nations for rehabilitation of Kashmir got good response,” he said.
Sardar Hayat thanked the Saudi leadership for their great help at this time of distress. He specially thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his generous donation and said it indicated his deep feelings for Pakistan and its people.
“Saudi Arabia has been a great friend of Pakistan and the way the Saudis came forward is unprecedented,” he said. “We will not forget the Kingdom’s humanitarian gestures.”
