Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 27/12/2007
The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has condemned in strongest terms the outrageous and brutal murder of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of Pakistan People’s Party, Ms. Benazir Bhutto in a shocking suicide attack in Rawalpindi, Pakistan today.
Prof. Ihsanoglu presents his heartfelt condolences to the family members of Ms. Bhutto and other victims, to the members of her party, PPP, and to the people of Pakistan.
The Secretary General characterized this blatant crime which has preceded the January 8 parliamentary elections as an attack at the stability and peace in Pakistan and an open provocation aiming at derailing the efforts of unity, reconciliation and democratic process.
The Secretary General, in this hour of national tragedy, while recalling the important leadership position of Pakistan in the Muslim world and its role in the advancement of Islamic causes including promotion of international peace, moderation and combating extremism, has called for utmost restraint on part of all political forces and reminded the people of Pakistan to continue to adhere to the noble teachings of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the teachings of Quaid-e- Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan and Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the poet philosopher who conceived the idea of Pakistan as the first Islamic Republic on the map of the world as modern democratic Islamic state. He further called on the Pakistani people and all political forces to opt for wisdom, cohesion, unity and dialogue in these turbulent moments.
The OIC Secretary General emphasized that those who are behind this heinous crime are not only enemies of Pakistan but also of the peaceful and tolerant religion of Islam and should be promptly identified and brought to justice.
