Pakistan has participated in all the sessions of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and played an important role for the unity, harmony and cooperation among Islamic countries. Pakistan has always supported the movements favouring Muslims, and has raised voice in their favour at United Nations.
In 1969, when the Israelis set fire to the Al- Aqsa Masjid, it sent a wave of anger among the Muslims around the world. After that, representatives of Muslim countries gathered in Rabat (Morocco). In this meeting, Pakistan proposed the formation of a permanent Organization called the Islamic Conference, which was supported by all Islamic countries. Thus, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) was established in 1969. Its headquarter is at Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Now its new name is Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
In 1969, when the first meeting of the OIC was held in Rabat, Morocco, Pakistan played an active role in proceedings. The second Islamic Summit was held in 1974 in Lahore. The conference was hosted by Pakistan.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Shah Faisal, Muammar Gaddafi, Hafiz- al- Assad, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan and Anwar Sadat played a key role in organizing the meeting of OIC. In the historic city of Lahore, leaders and representatives of 40 countries were present. Delegations from the World Muslim Congress, the Palestine Liberation Movement (PLO) and the Arab League also attended the conference.
The government and people of Pakistan fulfilled their responsibilities with great passion. Pakistan moved a resolution in favour of independence and sovereignty of Palestine, which was passed unanimously.
The entire Islamic community acknowledges Pakistan's services for the success of the OIC, the unity of the Muslim Ummah and establishing special relations with Islamic countries.
Two institutions affiliated to the OIC established in Pakistan are:
- (i) Islamic Charter of Commerce and Development Karachi
- (ii) OIC Science and Technology Cooperation Islamabad
Below is an overview of Pakistan's relations with the countries of Organization of Islamic Cooperation;
Pakistan's Relations with Saudi Arabia
Since its establishment, Pakistan has close ties with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has also always supported Pakistan. Shah Faisal used to call Pakistan his second home. Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan's position in international politics. The Faisal Masjid in Islamabad is a manifestation of the Pakistani people's relationship with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan's stance on Kashmir issue and raised voice for the Kashmiri Muslims for self- determination. Both the countries share a common view on all international issues. Even today, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have brotherly relations.