Ishaq Dar condemns Israeli FM’s visit to Somaliland at OIC meeting

JEDDAH: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Sunday strongly condemned the visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister to Somaliland, calling it “extremely worrying” and a clear violation of international law. He made these remarks while addressing an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah.

Addressing the gathering, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan fully supports the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, adding that no external institution or state has the legal or moral right to alter this reality. He said that Israel’s actions were illegal, unrealistic, and would have no legal or political effect under international law.

“The sovereignty and territorial integrity of states are mandatory principles under international law,” the deputy prime minister said, adding that Israel’s move could undermine global and regional efforts to combat terrorism and poses a serious threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

Ishaq Dar appreciated the sacrifices of the Somali people and their security forces in maintaining peace and stability, reiterating Pakistan’s firm support for Somalia in safeguarding its territorial integrity. He warned that Israeli actions could have serious repercussions for regional stability.

Turning to the situation in Palestine, the deputy prime minister strongly condemned any form of forced eviction, terming it a grave violation of international law. He reaffirmed that Pakistan always stands with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.

He stressed the urgent need for international efforts to end the war in Gaza and ensure the uninterrupted provision of humanitarian assistance to the affected population. He said Israel’s actions constitute a violation of international laws and the United Nations Charter.

Ishaq Dar informed the meeting that Pakistan, along with other OIC member states, has rejected Israel’s actions through a joint statement and has also condemned them at the United Nations.

In addition, the deputy prime minister called on the OIC to take further concrete steps to help resolve the long-standing Kashmir issue in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The extraordinary OIC meeting focused on regional and international developments, with member states expressing concern over actions that threaten sovereignty, peace, and stability in the Muslim world.