Dar urges OIC to back Saudi peace initiative

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to dissuade Israel and its supporters from reviving the war on Gaza, while at the same time opposing the proposals for the expulsion of Palestinians from their country.

At an OIC meeting at the UN, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Palestine, calling for its recognition as a full UN member. He urged collective action against Israel’s annexation of the West Bank and emphasized the need for a two-state solution.

Dar condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza and warned of worsening humanitarian conditions. He stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, preventing further violence, and ensuring humanitarian aid, particularly through UNRWA. He also opposed Israeli plans to expel Palestinians from their homeland and called for decisive OIC action against ongoing violence in the West Bank.

On Lebanon, he welcomed the ceasefire brokered by France and the US but expressed concern over continued Israeli attacks in South Lebanon, warning they could reignite conflict.

Drawing parallels between Palestine and Kashmir, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He condemned India’s military actions, demographic changes, and suppression of Kashmiri voices, comparing them to Israel’s policies in Palestine. He warned of escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, citing aggressive statements from New Delhi.

Addressing Afghanistan, he raised concerns over cross-border attacks by the banned TTP from Afghan territory. He stressed Pakistan’s right to take necessary actions against these threats and highlighted the involvement of some Afghan refugees in terrorist activities. He supported repatriating illegal Afghan residents while ensuring humanitarian aid and regional stability.

Dar urged the international community to adopt a comprehensive approach to Afghanistan, including counterterrorism efforts and women’s rights, to facilitate its integration into the global system.