Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar travels to Saudi Arabia for the OIC meeting, addressing Middle Eastern issues, including the situation in Gaza. He joins Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the summit, where Pakistan will advocate for an end to Israeli military actions and reaffirm support for Palestine’s sovereignty.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan departed for Saudi Arabia on Saturday to participate in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting alongside his fellow foreign ministers from across the Muslim world. This important gathering will take place in Riyadh and will establish the agenda for the upcoming second Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled for Monday. During his visit, FM Dar performed Umrah and offered prayers at the revered Masjid-i-Nabwi. He will also be part of the Pakistani delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who is travelling to Riyadh today to join the meeting. The OIC meeting will feature notable attendees, including Turkiye’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as confirmed by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The discussions will focus on critical issues within the Middle East, particularly addressing the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestine. This dialogue serves as a continuation of discussions held at the first Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit earlier this year, which specifically addressed the Gaza crisis. Last year’s summit resulted in significant emergency relief for Gaza’s residents, as well as international calls to halt the Israeli occupation and solid commitments from member states to bolster the Palestinian cause. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to emphasize Pakistan’s urgent call for an immediate and unconditional cessation of suffering in Gaza as well as an end to Israeli military operations that pose risks to regional stability. As articulated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan stands steadfastly in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their quest for sovereignty. Furthermore, Pakistan supports the establishment of an independent Palestine based on the borders recognized in 1967, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Additionally, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral discussions with leaders from various Arab League and OIC member states during this visit.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) serves as a collective voice for the Muslim world, advocating for solidarity on issues affecting member states, particularly in matters of regional conflicts and humanitarian crises. The ongoing situation in Gaza is a focal point for member states, given the humanitarian impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The OIC and associated summits aim to forge a unified response to these crises, promoting diplomacy and collective efforts to support the Palestinian cause and address the broader Middle Eastern regional stability.
In conclusion, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s attendance at the OIC meeting in Saudi Arabia underscores Pakistan’s commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights and addressing critical regional issues. The participation of international leaders reflects a unified stance on the need for urgent dialogue and action regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Through these discussions, Pakistan aims to reinforce its commitment to international peace and stability, particularly pertaining to the rights of the Palestinian people.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
