Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has traveled to Saudi Arabia to attend an OIC meeting with international counterparts, focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and preparations for the Arab-Islamic Summit. The discussion will enhance previous commitments made to support Palestine and address humanitarian issues in Gaza. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joins Dar, reinforcing Pakistan’s advocacy for Palestinian sovereignty.
On Saturday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Saudi Arabia to participate in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers’ meeting in Riyadh. This significant gathering will serve to outline the agenda for the forthcoming Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled for Monday. Following his arrival, Minister Dar performed Umrah and offered prayers at the revered Masjid-i-Nabwi, cementing the spiritual significance of his visit. Minister Dar will join the Pakistani delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also en route to Riyadh to attend the summit. The gathering will be attended by notable leaders, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye, emphasizing the international attention on this meeting. Discussions are expected to focus on pressing issues in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The summit is anticipated to build upon previous deliberations from the first Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit held in 2023, which aimed to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Last year’s assembly garnered critical support for the people of Gaza, advocating for an end to Israeli occupation and collective backing for the Palestinian cause. In his remarks prior to this important meeting, the Foreign Office spokesperson highlighted that Prime Minister Sharif would stress Pakistan’s position on the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza, stating, “Pakistan stands united with the people of Palestine in their struggle for sovereignty.” Moreover, Pakistani leadership remains firm in its belief regarding the necessity for an independent Palestine, aligned with the borders of June 4, 1967, and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Additionally, Prime Minister Sharif is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with key leaders from the Arab League and the OIC, further reinforcing Pakistan’s diplomatic ties and its commitment to addressing regional challenges.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is a collective of Muslim-majority nations that seeks to uphold Islamic solidarity and address common challenges faced by its member states, particularly regarding the Palestinian issue. The Arab-Islamic Summit is a vital platform for dialogue among leaders on crucial matters affecting the Muslim world, including conflicts, humanitarian crises, and socio-economic developments. The ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestine has been a focal point in recent discussions, prompting international calls for support and intervention to safeguard Palestinian rights and sovereignty. In previous summits, member states have rallied to provide assistance to Gaza and advocate for diplomatic solutions to restore peace in the region.
In summary, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s participation in the OIC meeting signifies Pakistan’s enduring commitment to addressing the Palestinian plight and fostering unity among Muslim nations. The discussions planned during the summit are critical for shaping responses to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s anticipated reaffirmation of Pakistan’s stance on Palestine underscores the country’s active role in advocating for sovereignty and justice. This meeting not only aims to tackle immediate issues but also seeks to strengthen collaborative efforts among member states to provide peace and support to impacted regions.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
