ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) called for strict adherence to bilateral agreements between Pakistan and India, including the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), at its 51st session in Istanbul. The meeting, which focused on regional peace and stability, also expressed concern over India’s alleged violations of the IWT, particularly in relation to its construction of dams and hydropower plants on Pakistani rivers.
The ‘Istanbul Declaration,’ issued at the conclusion of the two-day session, urged both countries to maintain the ceasefire announced on May 10, 2025, and called for a broad-based dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes. The CFM also condemned recent military escalations in the South Asia region, including attacks on Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and stressed the importance of exercising restraint to avoid further destabilizing the region.
The declaration also reiterated OIC’s full support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination in accordance with UN Security Council and OIC resolutions, while condemning human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition, the CFM condemned Israeli aggression against Iran, citing the dangerous escalation in the region and the human, economic, and environmental toll of Israeli attacks. The declaration called for urgent measures to halt Israeli violence and affirmed the importance of a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, along with the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip.
Furthermore, the OIC foreign ministers urged the international community to address issues of extremism, terrorism, and Islamophobia, emphasizing the need for a global response to these challenges. The meeting also noted positive developments, including progress in normalizing ties between Azerbaijan and Armenia and efforts by Syria’s interim government to reintegrate into the international community.
The OIC concluded the session by reaffirming its commitment to Islamic causes and called for enhanced support for Palestine and other critical issues affecting the Muslim world.
