The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has agreed to set up Humanitarian Trust Fund and launch a food and security program for the war-hit Afghanistan.
Secretary-General OIC Hissien Brahim Taha and President Islamic Development Bank Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al-Jasser on Monday signed the Charter of OIC Humanitarian Trust Fund for Afghanistan in the presence of the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Humanitarian Trust Fund for Afghanistan:
The Humanitarian Trust Fund for Afghanistan, initiated under the aegis of the Islamic Development Bank, was established at the 17th Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Islamabad on 19 December 2021.
Pakistan remains strongly devoted in its support for the people of Afghanistan as it has already announced a relief package of five billion rupees for the war-ravaged neighboring country along with its persistent and wide-ranging developmental as well as economic assistance for Afghanistan.
FM Qureshi calls for urgent action
While addressing the Charter Signing Ceremony in Islamabad, FM Qureshi stressed the need for urgent action to tackle the severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, said the PR.
He urged the OIC Member States, the Islamic Financial Institutions, other international allies, and donors to make a contribution to the Trust Fund, reminding the OIC’s decision play a leading role in providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
The Foreign Minister added that the humanitarian relief to the Afghan People would constitute an important facet of Pakistan’s upcoming Chairmanship of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.
Mr. Qureshi congratulated the President of Islamic Development Bank and his team for launching the Afghan Trust Fund within the provided time span of three months.
He further acknowledged the performance of the OIC Secretary-General and his Special Envoy for Afghanistan, as they had put much effort in stimulating international humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people.
He emphasized the need to redouble the efforts in view of the urgent and ascendant humanitarian needs of the Afghan people, as per the statement issued.