The OIC moot

The decision of the government not to attend the OIC meeting was not wise. The main reason advanced for the foreign minister’s absence was the presence of the Indian foreign minister. First, let me say that regardless of the participants in all regional or international forums, the absence of right persons denies the country the opportunity to present its narrative. It must also be realised that a gateway to communication in regional or international forums should always be kept open. By closing the channels of communication, we can’t strengthen our case. By not attending the meeting, we contradict our own stance of the need for dialogue with the Indian leadership. I think it would have given our foreign minister an opportunity to engage the Indian FM to reiterate our position for working towards a peaceful solution to resolve the Kashmir issue.In this regard, I must appreciate the position taken by Asif Ali Zardari who stressed on the need for participation in the OIC meeting. Let me conclude by saying that not only in international diplomacy but also in national level conflicts, keeping the channels of communication open always helps.Dr Zafar I QureshiLahore*****Instead of giving statements from Pakistan, the FM should have attended the OIC meeting. Meeting world leaders would have had a positive impact on Pakistan’s stance. India may continue this stand-off till the elections and drain us economically. The government must ask the UN to call in a meeting and talk about India’s recent violation.Our ambassadors also need to be more assertive while convincing the foreign countries that India is guilty of human rights abuses in Kashmir. The world has to convince India to stop using Pakistan as a scapegoat whenever its general elections are nearing. This gimmick should stop once and for all.Zahid Ali KhanRawalpindi

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