Columnist

Refugees-- symbols of strength but hardship, products of the decisions made by invaders and sometimes, their own governments. Ever since the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, millions of Afghans have fled to neighbouring countries for mere shelter, for a safe home.

When soldiers from the two most populous countries in the world, who spend more than $300 billion on their militaries have a stand-off, it is a thing of concern to many.

Last month, the Afghan Taliban nominated a Shiite Muslim from the Hazara community as its chief in the district of Balkhab in the northern province of Sar-e-Pul. This has come as a surprise to many. 

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was formed in 1969 to serve the interests of Islamic states and strengthen the ideal of Muslim Ummah. The OIC consists of 57 states, 53 of which are Muslim.