Israeli aggression against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria in 1967 evoked strong condemnation in the world. The Muslim peoples were stirred, as never before, because of the Israeli occupation of Jerusalem, the first qibla of Islam, Mammoth demonstrations were held in Pakistan. Ardent solidarity with the victims of aggression was made manifest not only in words but also in concrete action. Pakistani military deputations in these countries volunteered their services and participated in action. Pakistan's ambassador to the United Nations, Agha Shahi, made an effective contribution to the Arab cause. In reasoned speeches, he supported resolutions in the General Assembly calling for respect for international law and for the rights of the people of occupied territories pending Israeli withdrawal. Shahi piloted the resolution declaring invalid the measures imposed by Israel to change the status of Jerusalem.
On 21 August 1969, arson inflicted extensive damage on Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is associated with the Prophet's ascension. It triggered a tidal wave of anguish and outrage among Muslims throughout the world. Arab and non-Arab Muslim states joined the first Islamic Summit Conference held in Rabat, on 22-4 September 1969. It adopted a moving declaration reflecting the profound distress of Muslim peoples, agreed to coordinate action to secure Israeli withdrawal from all Arab territories occupied in 1967, and affirmed full support to the Palestinian people in their struggle for national liberation. Also, recognizing that a common creed constituted a powerful bond between Muslim peoples, the leaders decide to institutionalize the conference and established the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), with a permanent secretariat to be located in Jeddah pending the liberation of Jerusalem.
Criteria for membership of the OIC were defined against the background of India''s 'pathetic importuning' for an invitation to attend the Islamic summit, justifying its inclusion on the grounds concern of the Muslim community in South Asia for the welfare of their co-religionists throughout the world, Pakistan-itself an heir to that legacy-agreed to accord representation to the Muslims of India at the conference. But when, by sending anon=Muslim envoy, India failed to observe the distinction between Muslims of Indian and India as a state, Pakistan raised an objection which was upheld by the conference. If the size of a state's Muslim population was the criterion for membership, many other states such as the USSR and China should have been invited to participate; their Muslim minorities were larger than the populations of some of the participating Muslim states.
Till the day, Organization of Islamic Cooperation has failed. Atrocities by Israel increased day by day and they given no importance to this great Muslim Alliance, because they know this is just a formality and not practical. Well said anonymous: "O I see".
