OIC and IDB Establish Humanitarian Trust Fund for Afghanistan

Strategic Insights -

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) have signed a charter to establish a Humanitarian Trust Fund for Afghanistan, aimed at channeling humanitarian assistance to the country. The signing ceremony, held in Islamabad, was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who emphasized the need for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The Trust Fund will be established under the aegis of the IDB and will serve as a vehicle to channel assistance to Afghanistan, including in partnership with other international actors. Pakistan has already announced an assistance package of 5 billion Pak rupees (over $27.7 million) for Afghanistan and remains committed to supporting the Afghan people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The OIC and IDB have signed a charter to establish a Humanitarian Trust Fund for Afghanistan, with the IDB serving as the vehicle for channeling humanitarian assistance.
  • The Trust Fund was established under the aegis of the OIC's 17th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Islamabad on December 19, 2021.
  • The Trust Fund will facilitate partnership between the IDB and other international actors to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
  • Pakistan has announced an assistance package of 5 billion Pak rupees (over $27.7 million) for Afghanistan and remains committed to supporting the Afghan people.
  • Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has emphasized the need for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
  • The OIC and its member states have expressed their support for Pakistan's initiative to combat Islamophobia and have welcomed the recent passage of a UN General Assembly resolution designating March 15 as International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

Statistics:

  • $27.7 million: The value of Pakistan's assistance package for Afghanistan.
  • 5 billion Pak rupees: The amount of assistance package announced by Pakistan for Afghanistan.
  • $1 = 180.54 Pak rupees (current exchange rate)
  • 48th OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting: Scheduled to be held in Islamabad on March 22-23.

Sources:

  • Foreign Office statement
  • OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha
  • IDB head Muhammad Sulaiman Al-Jasser
  • Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi