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Pakistan's influence in OIC fading - fails to get invite for Hurriyat
As India strongly objected to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) equating Jammu and Kashmir with other troubled regions in the world, experts believe the latest communiqué issued at its fourth extraordinary summit held in Makkah has also highlighted the declining fortunes of Pakistan in the Islamic grouping.
The 54-member Islamic grouping also highlighted the need to end sectarian strife, asked member countries to promote pluralism, review education curriculum and decided to back Saudi Arabia to set up a centre for dialogue with other religions in the Austrian capital of Vienna.
Not only was J&K mentioned in passing, no Kashmiri separatist leader was invited to the summit for the first time since 1995.
Commenting on the communiqué, diplomat-turned-politician Mani Shankar Iyer said it was in fact a matter of joy for India. The current communiqué was in contrast to past practices where under Pakistani influence, not only was Kashmir equated with issues like Palestine, but the presence of Kashmiri separatists also made a regular feature.
Iyer believes the government at best should have ignored the communiqué, rather giving it credence by putting out a statement. According to Iyer, at the OIC, usually the Pakistani delegation in the past was entrusted to draft statements due to their command over the English language.
However, it now appears that Pakistans influence at the OIC is fading.The summit shows that for the first time since 1995, Pakistan could not muster an invitation for All Party Hurriyat Conference
Latest OIC summit signifies Paks slackened grip: Mani Shankar Iyer - India - DNA