ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (NNN-APP) – The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) decided to establish a humanitarian trust fund, launch a food security programme, and facilitate to unlock financial and banking channels for Afghanistan, to help the Afghans face looming humanitarian crisis, Pakistani Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said here yesterday.
Addressing a joint press conference, at the conclusion of the 17th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC, held in Islamabad, to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, Qureshi said that the Afghan economy cannot progress and people cannot be helped without a functional banking system.
He said that the OIC also decided to appoint a special envoy of the body to Afghanistan, besides forging a partnership between the OIC and the United Nations agencies, to deliver resources to Afghanistan.
“Sanctions should not impede the provision of humanitarian aid, and economic resources should not be stopped for schools and hospitals.”
Qureshi said, “We could have difference of opinion with the authorities (in Afghanistan), but our focus should be the 38 million people of Afghanistan,” adding that, neighbours of Afghanistan will be equally impacted, if unrest returns to Afghanistan, and its impact will also go beyond the region.
The Pakistani official said that COVID-19 is still serious in Afghanistan, and the OIC will coordinate with the World Health Organisation to secure vaccines and donations.
Speaking at the press briefing, Secretary-General of the OIC, Hissein Brahim Taha, said, a large number of countries participated in the extraordinary session, which gave hope for the future of Afghans, who face a tough winter and can be helped during the hardship.
He said, the Islamic Development Bank has opened a special fund in Afghanistan, and donations sent by countries, organisations, and individuals will be used for the people of Afghanistan.
Around 70 delegations from OIC members, non-members, as well as, regional and international organisations attended the extraordinary session, according to the foreign ministry of Pakistan.– NNN-APP
