Organisation of The Islamic Conference and Conflict Resolution: Case Study of the Kashmir Dispute

The Kashmir issue is one of the most long-standing disputes waiting for settlement in the post World War II era. In this regard, the United Nations (UN) has passed several resolutions since 1948 when the Kashmir issue was placed before the UN Security Council at the request of India. The Kashmir issue is dealt by the Security Council under Chapter VI (Articles 34, 37) or the UN Charter, which calls for the pacific settlement of disputes. It lacks the enforcement mechanism provided under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which includes collective security measures and peacekeeping and peace-building efforts. This issue has not only created instability at the regional and international levels, but has also been responsible for three wars between India and Pakistan, along with numerous low intensity conflicts. Pakistan, since 1947, has provided all diplomatic and economic help to the Kashmiri people and has raised the issue at all national and international forums. Along with other international forums, Pakistan has consistently raised the issue at the Organization of Islamic conference (OIC) in order to make the Muslim world understand the problems faced by the Kashmiri people and the human rights violations in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK). This paper will analyze the conflict resolution mechanism of OIC and how can it be helpful in supporting and resolving the Kashmir issue. It will further delve into the resolutions passed by OIC concerning the Kashmir issue and the attitude of India towards OIC. Moreover, it will examine the causes responsible for the lack of concerted efforts by OIC countries. Lastly, it will make some recommendations for improving the role of OIC concerning the resolution of the Kashmir issue and helping both India and Pakistan to start a meaningful dialogue to resolve it instead of putting it on the back burner.