The recent omission of a strong Kashmir resolution from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Parliamentary Union meeting in Jakarta represents a profound diplomatic setback for Pakistan. This development signals a fundamental shift in the Islamic world’s approach to the Kashmir issue and exposes critical weaknesses in Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy that demand immediate attention and comprehensive reform.
Key OIC members, Indonesia, Egypt, and Bahrain, opposed Pakistan’s proposal, preventing it from being included in the final outcome document. This marked a significant departure from the organization’s traditional stance on Kashmir. This opposition from influential OIC members reveals the changing dynamics within the Islamic world, where economic pragmatism increasingly trumps religious solidarity.
The absence of a robust Kashmir resolution from the OIC’s final document is not merely a procedural defeat; it represents a strategic failure that undermines Pakistan’s decades-long diplomatic efforts to internationalize the Kashmir issue. This setback comes at a time when Pakistan desperately needs unified Islamic support to counter India’s growing influence in the region.
The opposition from Indonesia, Egypt, and Bahrain is particularly telling. Indonesia, as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation and a key player in ASEAN, has been strengthening its ties with India for economic and strategic reasons. Egypt, historically aligned with Arab interests, is increasingly focused on regional stability and financial partnerships that transcend traditional religious alliances. Bahrain’s position reflects the broader Gulf Cooperation Council’s pivot toward economic diversification and strategic partnerships with major powers, including India.
These countries’ resistance to Pakistan’s Kashmir narrative reflects a broader trend of geoeconomic pragmatism overtaking ideological solidarity. The Islamic world is increasingly viewing international relations through the lens of economic opportunities, technological partnerships, and strategic stability rather than purely religious or historical grievances.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Weaknesses Exposed
- Over-reliance on Religious Solidarity
Pakistan’s diplomatic approach has historically relied heavily on the assumption that Islamic solidarity would automatically translate into support for the Kashmir cause. This strategy has proven inadequate in an era where Muslim-majority nations prioritize economic development and strategic partnerships over religious kinship. - Lack of Economic Leverage
Unlike India, which offers substantial economic opportunities through its growing market and technological capabilities, Pakistan has struggled to present compelling economic incentives to OIC members. The country’s economic challenges have weakened its bargaining power and reduced its ability to influence other nations’ positions. - Insufficient Bilateral Engagement
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have often been multilateral and formal, lacking the depth of bilateral relationships necessary to build lasting support. While India has invested heavily in bilateral partnerships with key OIC members, Pakistan’s engagement has remained relatively superficial. - Inadequate Counter-narrative Strategy
Pakistan has failed to effectively counter India’s growing soft power and diplomatic narrative. India’s positioning as a democratic, pluralistic society with a large Muslim population has gained traction, while Pakistan’s narrative has remained largely unchanged and increasingly ineffective.
The Way Forward: Strategic Recommendations
- Economic Diplomacy Revolution
Pakistan must fundamentally transform its approach to international relations by prioritizing economic diplomacy. This includes:
- Trade Partnership Development: Establishing comprehensive trade agreements with key OIC members, focusing on sectors where Pakistan has competitive advantages such as textiles, agriculture, and emerging technologies
