Islamabad contradicts OIC’s Dhaka Declaration

Though Bangladesh 'successfully hosted' the 45th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan raised some questions regarding the Dhaka Declaration, reports UNB.

Bangladesh, however, ruled out Pakistan's claim saying that nothing was done without consultation with the OIC secretariat.

"Everything was done following directives and suggestions from the OIC Secretariat," State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam said on Monday.

He said the OIC member states were also consulted as well. "Still, if anyone has any grievances, they should inform the OIC Secretariat first."

Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka on Monday in a press release said the host country circulated the text of the Dhaka Declaration just before the conclusion of the conference.

"It only reflected the views of the host country, and therefore, issued under its own responsibility, signifying that the text was neither discussed nor negotiated by the participating states," the Pakistan High Commission claimed.

The Pakistan High Commission also said the Declaration is without prejudice to the well-established positions of the OIC member states and the organisation, as enshrined in the CFM and Summit documents.