Egypt, Pakistan clash leaves OIC unity in shambles

The OIC is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents.

The news of Morsi being sentenced to death by a court in Cairo has been received in Pakistan with considerable concern, and it has charged Egypt with not following the tenets of law and justice in showing compassion to political prisoners.

In a statement issued last night, the Pakistan Foreign Office underscored this fact, which has also been highlighted by many other countries, that dispensation of justice must be based on the principles of equity and fairness.

“This is all the more important when political prisoners, especially a former elected president, who was ousted from office, is brought before the court of law. Pakistan hopes that the Government of Egypt would take steps to meet the requirements of justice under law and would show compassion in case of political prisoners,” the Foreign Office statement statement said.

When asked to comment on the issue, Foreign Office spokesman Qazi Khalilullah said “Our statement on the death sentence given to the former Egyptian president was based on internationally recognized principles.”

Khalilullah, however, said he was confident that the fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Egypt would remain and be further strengthened.

Egypt, on the other hand, has rejected Pakistan`s criticism, with its foreign office` terming Islamabad`s statement on Morsi`s death sentence as interference in its internal affairs.

Reports from Cairo said the Egyptian foreign ministry had summoned Pakistan`s charge d`affaires to inform him of the rejection of Islamabad`s criticism of the death sentence delivered upon former president Morsi

The Egyptian foreign ministry stressed that Pakistan`s official statements on the issue implied unacceptable comment on the Egyptian regime which is fully independent.

Such interference places a shadow over bilateral relations, the ministry further said.

A similar message was conveyed to the Pakistan Foreign Office by the Egyptian Embassy in Islamabad.

On May 16, the Cairo Criminal Court had issued a preliminary death sentence against Morsi and 105 other defendants in connection with a 2011 jail break case.

Morsi is the first Egyptian president to face a death sentence.

Morsi was ousted by the army in July 2013 after mass protests broke out against his one-year rule. Since then, he has faced several charges, including inciting violence, conspiring with foreign powers, killing protesters, some of which carry the death penalty.

Egyptian authorities branded the Muslim Brotherhood, Morsi`s power base, as a terrorist organisation in 2014.

The OIC projects itself as the collective voice of the 1.5 billion-strong Muslim world, ensuring to safeguard and protect its interests while at the same time promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.

Established on September 25, 1969, the OIC has had ten secretary generals, and the current one is Iyad Ameen Madani.

Over the last 46 years, its membership has grown from 25 to 57 states.

The OIC has consultative and cooperative relations with the UN and other inter-governmental organisations to protect the vital interests of Muslims, to work for the settlement of conflicts and disputes involving member states and to safeguard the true values of Islam.