The combined GDP of 57 OIC member countries is more than the GDP of the world’s sole superpower and as representatives of the Muslim Ummah, these countries should use their clout and influence to resolve the Palestine issue. This was said by Engr. Azhar ul Islam Zafar, Acting President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry while addressing a seminar organized by the ICCI in collaboration with Markaz Taleem-o-Tahqiq Islamabad in its auditorium titled Toofan-e-Al Aqsa.

Engr. Azhar ul Islam Zafar said that over 20,000 Palestinians have been martyred by Israel since October 7, 2023, most of whom are women and children. He said that it is the moral responsibility of the Muslim Ummah to work for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State to save Palestinian people from further destruction. He said that the business community is ready to provide financial, diplomatic, and moral support to the Palestinian people.

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Muhanna, Member of the Executive Council for the Association of Palestinian Ulama said that the Palestinian Mujahideen have decided to get freedom from Israel and urged that the media should play the role to highlight their sacrifices. He said that the world community should take notice of the massive human rights violations by Israel in Gaza. He said that the Muslim Ummah should provide financial support to Palestinians to contribute their share in their freedom.

Hamas Spokesman for South Asia Dr. Khalid Al-Qaddoumi thanked Pakistan for supporting the cause of Palestinians and added that people in Pakistan enjoy freedom of speech, which is a great blessing. He said that the ongoing war between Palestine and Israel is a war between Haq and Batil. He said that Israel has bombarded mosques, churches, and hospitals in Gaza and reaffirmed that Palestinians would continue to fight till the achievement of their freedom. He urged the Muslim Ummah to play a role in the implementation of OIC resolutions on Palestine.

Prof. Azzam Al-Ayoubi, prominent Lebanese politician and Secretary General of the Justice and Democracy Forum said that a united Muslim Ummah can be instrumental in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He said that the Toofan-e-Al-Aqsa decision was not made in a hurry as the Palestinians have been facing oppression from Israel for the last 75 years. He urged that the Muslim Ummah should also work to resolve the Kashmir and Rohingya issues.

Asif Luqman Qazi, Director Foreign Affairs of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan said that the war in Palestine is a test case for the rulers of Muslim countries and they should play a role in the protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque. He stressed that Muslim countries should develop a security mechanism for the protection of oppressed Muslims in the world and lauded ICCI for organizing a seminar on the Palestinian issue.

Maulana Dr. Habib ur Rehman Director Markaz Taleem-o-Tahqiq, Aziz ur Rehman President, Imtiaz Abbasi Secretary General Pakistan Business Forum Islamabad, and others also spoke on the occasion and called upon the Muslim Ummah to discharge its responsibility for resolving the Palestinian issue.