Dar to attend extraordinary OIC CFMs’ Session in Jeddah on Palestine Crisis

• OIC foreign ministers to deliberate response to Israeli plans for Gaza control, displacement of Palestinians during to be held from August 25–26
• Pakistan to press for humanitarian access, withdrawal from occupied territories, and a sovereign Palestinian state

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will undertake an official visit to Saudi Arabia from August 25–26 to participate in the Extraordinary Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) being held in Jeddah.

Dar will travel directly from Dhaka—where he is concluding a two-day official visit to Bangladesh—to join foreign ministers and senior officials from OIC member states in the high-level deliberations.

According to the Foreign Office, the extraordinary session has been convened in view of the escalating Israeli military aggression in Gaza, its reported plans to extend full military control over the enclave, and the continued violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.

Pakistan’s Position

The Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan has consistently highlighted the Palestinian issue at international fora and remains a steadfast advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people.

“During the session, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will reaffirm Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine, demand Israel’s complete withdrawal from all occupied Palestinian territories, and reject Tel Aviv’s plans to extend military control over Gaza and forcibly displace Palestinians,” the FO statement said, adding that “FM Dar will also emphasize the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza and call for the establishment of an independent, contiguous, and sovereign Palestinian state, based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.”

The OIC, representing 57 Muslim-majority countries, has repeatedly condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, especially following the devastating humanitarian crisis triggered by intensified bombings and blockade measures. Pakistan, a founding member of the OIC, has historically aligned itself with calls for an international response to stop Israeli aggression and ensure Palestinian statehood.

On the sidelines of the OIC-CFM session, Dar is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from key OIC member states to discuss regional issues and strengthen cooperation, the FO spokesperson added.