Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is set to travel to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to take part in a crucial emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers, scheduled to be held in Jeddah. This high-level gathering comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Palestinian territories, have escalated significantly, drawing urgent attention from Muslim nations worldwide.
The meeting, organized by the OIC General Secretariat, will convene on February 26 and is expected to focus heavily on the recent developments in the occupied West Bank. The agenda includes a strong condemnation of Israeli policies that have declared certain lands in this region as Israeli property, a move widely viewed by the international community as illegal under international law. The session aims to unify the stance of Muslim countries against these actions, which are perceived as attempts to change the legal, political, and demographic fabric of Palestinian territories.
During this pivotal gathering, Ishaq Dar will articulate Pakistan’s unequivocal opposition to Israel’s decisions and activities in the occupied areas. Pakistan has consistently maintained a firm position in support of Palestinian rights and sovereignty, and Dar’s participation underscores the country’s commitment to advocating for justice and peace in the region. The meeting will also explore strategies for a coordinated response among OIC member states to counter Israeli measures that threaten the stability and future of Palestine.
In addition to his role in the formal discussions, Deputy Prime Minister Dar is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with key figures, including Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. These interactions on the sidelines of the conference will provide an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties and discuss collaborative efforts to address the ongoing crisis. The engagement with Saudi officials is particularly significant given the Kingdom’s influential role within the OIC and the broader Muslim world.
This emergency session of the OIC’s executive committee highlights the growing urgency among Muslim nations to address the Palestinian issue collectively. With the situation on the ground evolving rapidly, the meeting serves as a platform for member states to reaffirm their solidarity with the Palestinian people and to devise unified diplomatic and political measures. Pakistan’s active involvement through Deputy Prime Minister Dar reflects its dedication to playing a constructive role in regional peace efforts and supporting the rights of oppressed communities.
