Pakistan has urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to demonstrate unity and resolve in addressing the critical challenges facing the Muslim Ummah, from the besieged streets of Gaza to the occupied valleys of Kashmir. Addressing the Annual Coordination Meeting of OIC Foreign Ministers in New York, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said the OIC must serve as a “voice of justice, principle, and truth.” He called on the Islamic world to demand an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Palestine, ensure full Israeli withdrawal, and guarantee unhindered humanitarian access. Describing the situation in Gaza as “not warfare but extermination,” Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the creation of a sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, and urged its early admission as a full UN member. Turning to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Foreign Minister said its people have been dispossessed, silenced, and denied their fundamental right to self-determination. He urged India to repeal draconian laws, release political prisoners, withdraw troops from civilian areas, and comply with Security Council resolutions. Expressing gratitude for the OIC’s solidarity following India’s “illegal and unwarranted aggression against Pakistan on May 6-7, 2025,” he recalled the martyrdom of 54 innocent civilians, including women and children, and emphasized that Pakistan responded with “restraint and responsibility,” accepting a ceasefire from a position of strength. Highlighting the rise of Islamophobia, he described it as “the most insidious racism of our age” and commended OIC efforts at the UN, including the declaration of March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and the appointment of a UN Special Envoy. The Foreign Minister also called for coordinated action against terrorism, citing Pakistan’s sacrifices of over 80,000 lives and economic losses exceeding $150 billion. He stressed the need to reform global counter-terrorism frameworks and tackle both violent extremism and far-right Islamophobic groups. On Afghanistan, Dar urged early normalization, full humanitarian support, and firm action against terrorist groups, while encouraging the Afghan Interim Government to respect human rights and ensure political inclusion. The Deputy Prime Minister underlined the OIC’s vital role in shaping a fairer global order, driving economic recovery, confronting climate change, and pushing for UN reforms with stronger OIC representation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy, including initiatives on UN-OIC cooperation during its current term on the UN Security Council. DPM, German FM discuss issues Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met German Foreign Minister Dr Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York. They discussed bilateral, regional and global issues, and ways to strengthen Pak-Germany cooperation in trade, investment, development, climate, skilled migration and people-to-people ties.
Pakistan calls on OIC to show unity on Gaza and Kashmir issues
