Peace, progress and power through unity in Islamic world

Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly
When Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto took the initiative as foreign minister and prime minister of Pakistan for unity of Muslim Ummah, at that time, the whole Europe was divided in social, economic and political terms. In those days, the concept of European Union was non-existent. On the other hand, in early 70s, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto not only had conceived the idea of unity among Muslim Ummah but practically took steps for translating this concept into reality. According to his vision, strong economic, social and political ties were need of the hour. He knew the policy of oppressors, who always thrive on the concept of divide and rule. Bhutto realized the need of unity of Muslim Ummah and became the light bearer for unity among Islamic nations. He wanted the Muslim world to be free of the shackles of super powers and use their resources for their people. The Muslim world is full of resources but in the absence of unity among countries, Islamic world has neither attained the status that it deserves nor it has made its people progressive and prosperous.
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto raised his voice for the unity of Muslims and their rights. He not only made efforts for the right of self-determination of Kashmiris but also took valiant steps for the freedom of Palestine. Due to his courageous initiatives for Palestine, the whole Arab world endeared Pakistan and opened doors for employment of Pakistanis in their countries.
In 1974 second Summit Conference was held in Lahore, under the chairmanship of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. It was a giant leap forward for Muslim unity. This conference gave a message to world that Muslims cannot be ignored. The declarations on Palestine, Jerusalem and Middle East, summit and the decision that a fund will be established for the development of Muslim Ummah also raised Muslims stature in the world. This Conference also realized the need to put an end to exploitation of Muslims by the developed countries and use complete authority in respect of their resources.
Bhutto believed in bold steps for the good of Muslim Ummah and this is why in 1973, he helped Syria and Egypt against Israeli aggression. In fact the aim and purpose of Bhutto’s struggle was to establish a strong Muslim unity, which could make Muslims stronger in political, financial, social and strategic matters. In return, the Islamic countries showed exemplary support for this cause and Pakistan became a leader of Muslim Ummah after second Summit Conference.
The pursuit of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s struggle continued but in July 1977 martial law was imposed in the country for a long period of time. Then again we were a puppet in the hands of world powers. This is why I stress that no dream of Muslim Ummah can be translated into reality without exercising sovereignty of Muslim states. But our dictatorships always harm independence and pursue the agenda of world powers.
When Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto became Prime Minister for the first time, she went on visit to eight Muslim countries and sought their support on Kashmir dispute. In her second term in power, she continued her efforts for Muslim unity. But all the efforts aimed at the unity of Muslim Ummah proved to be futile due to another dictatorship. Gen Pervez Musharraf’s bent to “Do More” demand and his stance created worst problems for the country. Today’s terrorism and other security issues are outcome of our dictators policies.
In the present time, when Muslim Ummah is passing through its internal crisis, we need unity more than ever. Some decades ago we had major disputes on Kashmir and Palestine but today Muslims in Iraq, Libya, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Kosovo, Chechnya and Philippine are having unprecedented difficulties. Thus there are challenges for unity and only a spirited leadership can bring all the Muslim world at one platform. We have seen that Europeans established European Union during the last two decades. On the other hand, despite being torch bearer for unity in the 70s we have fallen prey to terrorism, political instability, and economic depression and built walls of aloofness around us. Today we are far away from the cause of unity but we need unity to achieve progress, peace and power.
In the present time, we need to take immediate steps with two references, one is Afghanistan where after evacuation of Nato troops our territory can be more vulnerable and terrorist activities may increase on both sides of the border. The second is Narendra Modi’s taking charge as prime minister of India. In the wake of Modi’s premiership, Pakistan may come across some new challenges from India. In a situation when we are already in the crises we need to prepare ownselves to face the challenges from our neighbour.
Pakistan is one of the very important countries in Muslim world and we not only have to trace our own problems but also to support Muslim Ummah in solving their problems. We need a platform, like European Union, for collective progress.
Now it is a golden time for the present government to come forward and play its role for unity of Muslim Ummah. But this is irony of our fate that we are not united and we are poor despite being rich and resourceful. Belated steps towards unity, I am afraid, will increase our vulnerability and enhance our solitude in the world.
If we gather at one platform today then we can tell the world that we are more than a billion, have 22% territory of the world (Full of natural resources), 70% oil reserves, huge reservoirs of natural gas and other minerals, great armies to defend us, and we are atomic power. But we are not at one platform so we cannot have pride for it. Without unity we shall continue to live below the standard that we may have.
Had we a meaningful collaboration among Muslim Ummah, the Somalis must have not lived in abject poverty and Islamic World had not gone in the dark of destitute and illiteracy. Muslim unity can open new vistas for the progress and prosperity of all the Muslims and we can solve our problem with a stronger position. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah once said “Remember we are building up a State which is going to play its full part in the destinies of the whole Islamic world,” Bhutto tried his level best to put this dream into reality and if we had not been made deprived of his great leadership we would have achieved prominent role in the Muslim world.
Now we have to come out of our past and step into the future with confidence. The road map for moving ahead for unity lies in the vision of ZA Bhutto and we just need to act upon his vision. No doubt, it is an uphill task and cannot be achieved without extraordinary efforts. But this is a great task and through this initiative we can enter into a new era of progress, peace and power in the Islamic World. This is the challenge of today and a way to step into reach the destination of unity of Muslim Ummah.