Pakistani Deputy PM Calls for Gaza Ceasefire at OIC Summit

At the Preparatory Meeting of Foreign Ministers for the 15th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, The Gambia, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made a strong plea for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. The theme of this year's Summit, held on May 2, 2023, is "Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development."

In his address, Dar demanded not only a cessation of hostilities but also a lifting of the inhuman siege on Gaza and the opening of a humanitarian corridor. He urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for what he termed "war crimes" in the Palestinian territory. "We demand an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and a humanitarian corridor for international aid agencies to provide relief to the people of Palestine," Dar stated emphatically.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict in Gaza has far-reaching implications for regional stability and global security, and a ceasefire could pave the way for a more sustainable peace process. The international community's response to this crisis will also set a precedent for its role in addressing other humanitarian crises around the world.

The Pakistani Deputy PM emphasized the crucial role of the UN Security Council in implementing its resolution 2728 for an end to the fighting. He called on Israel to halt all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories and relinquish all usurped Palestinian properties. Dar expressed Pakistan's deep concern about what he described as an"ongoing genocide and starvation of Gaza people"and called for the reactivation of the OIC's Ministerial Committee on Israeli aggression against the Palestinians.

Reaffirming Pakistan's steadfast support for Palestinian self-determination, Dar stated that the only lasting solution to the current crisis is the establishment of a secure, viable, contiguous, and sovereign state of Palestine based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He also strongly condemned the oppressive actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including extrajudicial killings and media blackouts.

In addition to the Palestinian issue, Dar stressed the need for joint action by the OIC to confront the rising tide of Islamophobia worldwide, manifested in increasing incidents of discrimination, violence, and incitement against Muslims. Pakistan was unanimously elected as the Vice-Chair of the Bureau of Foreign Ministers' Preparatory Meeting for the 15th Islamic Summit.

The OIC foreign ministers adopted the report of the Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) and finalized various documents, including the Resolution on the Issue of Palestine, the Final Communique of the OIC Summit Conference, and the Banjul Declaration. Dar congratulated the Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara on assuming the Chairmanship of the Session and 15th Islamic Summit and appreciated the role of the outgoing chair, Saudi Arabia.

As the 15th OIC Islamic Summit continues in Banjul, Ishaq Dar's impassioned plea for a Gaza ceasefire and condemnation of Israeli actions in the occupied territories sets the stage for further discussions and potential resolutions. The Pakistani Deputy PM's call for unity in confronting Islamophobia also highlights the broader challenges facing the Muslim world today.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan's Deputy PM Ishaq Dar calls for immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.
• Dar demands lifting of siege on Gaza and opening of humanitarian corridor.
• He urges international community to hold Israel accountable for "war crimes" in Palestine.
• Pakistan reaffirms support for Palestinian self-determination and sovereign state.
• Dar stresses need for joint action against rising Islamophobia worldwide.