Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia, where he will participate in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Open-Ended Extraordinary Ministerial Session. This three-day visit, commencing on Thursday, underscores Pakistan’s active engagement in addressing critical regional issues, particularly the escalating tensions in the Occupied West Bank.
The ministerial gathering is scheduled to take place at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah later tonight. It has been specially convened to deliberate on the recent controversial measures taken by Israeli authorities, which are widely regarded as illegal under international law. These measures include the expansion of settlements, moves toward annexation, and efforts to assert Israeli sovereignty over territories in the Occupied West Bank, actions that have drawn sharp criticism from the international community.
During the session, Deputy Prime Minister Dar is expected to present Pakistan’s firm stance on these developments, emphasizing the country’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. Pakistan has consistently condemned Israel’s attempts to alter the status quo in the West Bank, particularly the recent initiatives aimed at reclassifying certain areas as “state land,” a move seen as a strategy to legitimize settlement expansion and undermine Palestinian rights.
In addition to his formal address, Ishaq Dar plans to engage in a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and officials from other OIC member states. These discussions will focus on strengthening collective efforts to counter Israel’s policies and explore avenues for coordinated diplomatic and political responses. Such interactions are crucial for fostering unity among Muslim-majority countries on this pressing issue.
This visit comes at a time when tensions in the region remain high, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the Occupied West Bank. Pakistan’s participation in the OIC session highlights its commitment to multilateral diplomacy and its role as a vocal advocate for justice and peace in Palestine. The outcomes of this ministerial meeting are anticipated to shape the OIC’s future strategies and responses to the ongoing challenges posed by Israeli actions.
