Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is attending the OIC ministry meeting in Saudi Arabia, aimed at setting the agenda for the upcoming Arab-Islamic Summit. Key topics include the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the Pakistani delegation, led by PM Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizes support for Palestinian statehood and regional stability.
Islamabad: On Saturday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions with his counterparts from the Muslim world at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ministers’ meeting. This significant gathering, taking place in Riyadh, aims to establish the agenda for the upcoming Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled for Monday. Upon arrival, FM Dar undertook the sacred Umrah pilgrimage and offered prayers at the revered Masjid-i-Nabwi. He will be part of a delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is expected to join the meeting today. Notably, the summit will also draw participation from prominent figures, including Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The agenda will prominently feature discussions concerning the situation in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestine, as highlighted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This summit serves as a continuation of discussions initiated during the first Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, held in 2023, which addressed the crisis in Gaza and led to critical emergency relief for its populace. The Prime Minister intends to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to ending the suffering in Gaza and advocating for a halt to Israeli military actions that jeopardize regional stability. As reiterated by FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch earlier this week, “Pakistan stands united with the people of Palestine in their struggle for sovereignty,” further emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering support for establishing an independent Palestine with borders based on the 1967 delineations, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. During his visit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from both the Arab League and OIC member nations.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states, with the intent of promoting mutual cooperation and solidarity among Muslims worldwide. This upcoming ministerial meeting in Riyadh is particularly pivotal, as it sets the groundwork for a subsequent Arab-Islamic Summit. The evolving situation in the Middle East, especially concerning Palestine, necessitates collective action and unified responses from member states to uphold the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people. Over recent years, the OIC has facilitated discussions to address humanitarian crises and political matters affecting its member states, particularly in light of escalating conflicts and military interventions. This summit builds on previous engagements, notably addressing the plight of Gaza following the Israeli occupation and offers a platform for member states to commit to collaborative initiatives in support of Palestine.
In conclusion, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s participation in the OIC ministers’ meeting represents Pakistan’s commitment to advocating for the Palestinian cause and addressing pressing regional issues. The attendance of high-profile leaders at this summit underscores the collective resolve of OIC member states to confront challenges within the Muslim world, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Pakistan’s unwavering stance reinforces its dedication to supporting the sovereignty of Palestine while fostering international dialogue and cooperation among member nations.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
