In a time marked by deepening geopolitical divisions, unrelenting violence in the Middle East, and widespread humanitarian crises, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar delivered a bold and unified message at the special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing the gathering of representatives from Muslim-majority countries, Dar emphasized that the Muslim Ummah stands shoulder to shoulder with Iran, particularly in the wake of recent destabilizing developments in the region. He also strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and global accountability for crimes against Palestinians.
In a strong and clear stance, Dar reiterated that solidarity with Iran is not just symbolic but a reflection of a united Muslim identity. His remarks come at a time when Iran has been facing mounting regional pressure and external threats. Dar emphasized that any attempt to isolate or destabilize Iran is a threat to the broader Islamic world.
He called upon Muslim nations to resist sectarian divides and foreign interference, stating that only through collective wisdom and mutual respect can the region ensure peace and progress.
“Today, more than ever, the Muslim world needs unity, not division. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Iranian brothers and sisters in upholding the dignity, sovereignty, and independence of our nations,” he declared.
Shifting the focus to the Gaza Strip, Dar painted a harrowing picture of the situation on the ground. He described Gaza as a “heap of rubble”, where basic infrastructure—including hospitals, schools, mosques, and homes—has been systematically destroyed.
The Deputy Prime Minister condemned Israel’s military campaign as a deliberate act of aggression and genocide, which has disproportionately targeted civilians, including thousands of women and children.
He called on the international community to recognize the scale of destruction and human suffering, emphasizing that the siege of Gaza is not merely a conflict but a humanitarian catastrophe of global concern.
One of the most forceful aspects of Dar’s speech was his outright rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians. He stated that any effort to expel Palestinians from their homeland under the guise of security or demographic restructuring must be unequivocally condemned.
He reminded the OIC that the right of Palestinians to return to their land is non-negotiable and enshrined in international law, warning that silence on this issue would be tantamount to complicity.
“We will never accept any plan, policy, or pressure that seeks to uproot Palestinians from their own soil. Such actions are crimes against humanity and a clear violation of international norms,” he asserted.
Acknowledging Egypt and the United States’ efforts in mediating a ceasefire, Dar welcomed any steps toward peace but maintained that words must now be followed by action. He called for a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and unhindered humanitarian access to provide relief to the beleaguered population.
Dar also urged international organizations and donor nations to expedite their support for Gaza’s recovery, emphasizing the urgency of restoring health services, rebuilding infrastructure, and ensuring the delivery of essential goods.
Another critical element of Dar’s speech was his demand for accountability for Israel’s actions. He called on the OIC to push for international legal mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), to investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law.
“Israel must not be allowed to act with impunity. If we fail to hold aggressors accountable, we set a dangerous precedent for the future of international order,” Dar said.
In his concluding remarks, Dar stressed that the OIC must evolve from being a symbolic platform to a strategic force, capable of defending Muslim interests globally. He urged member states to shed internal differences and speak with one voice in matters of justice, sovereignty, and human rights.
His message served as both a call to action and a warning: unless the Muslim world unites around shared values and goals, it will continue to face external manipulation and internal strife.
Ishaq Dar’s speech at the OIC was not just a diplomatic gesture; it was a powerful articulation of moral clarity, political resolve, and collective responsibility. From expressing unwavering solidarity with Iran to passionately advocating for the rights of Palestinians, his address underscored the urgency of a cohesive and courageous Muslim response to injustice.
Reference: مسلم امہ ایران کے ساتھ شانہ بشانہ کھڑی ہے:اسحاق ڈار کا او آئی سی اجلاس سے خطاب