Dar For Joint Action To Counter Islamophobia In Context Of Israeli Aggression Against Palestine
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday stressed the imperative for joint action to counter Islamophobia, particularly in the context of Israel’s aggression against Palestine, which had resulted in a rise in Islamophobic and xenophobic acts around the world
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts to address Islamophobia, particularly in light of Israel’s aggression against Palestine, which has led to a surge in Islamophobic and xenophobic incidents worldwide.
These sentiments were expressed during a meeting with Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on the sidelines of the 15th Islamic Summit held in Banjul, The Gambia.
In the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister commended the Secretary General for the successful convening of the 15th OIC Islamic Summit, as per a statement from the Foreign Office.
Dar shared Pakistan’s deep concerns regarding the escalating Islamophobia, evidenced by a growing number of discriminatory acts, violence, and provocations against Muslims globally. He briefed the Secretary General on the situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting the excessive use of force by Indian security forces.
Recognizing the OIC’s historical support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people, Dar appreciated the role of the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir and the Special Envoy on Kashmir, as well as the OIC’s regular monitoring of human rights conditions in IIOJK.
The OIC Secretary General reiterated the organization’s support for the Kashmiri people’s legitimate right to self-determination, as reflected in various OIC resolutions.
Expressing grave concern over the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the dire humanitarian crisis, the Deputy Prime Minister called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. He reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance, advocating for the complete withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, and the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right of return to Palestine. Dar also emphasized the establishment of an independent homeland for Palestinians with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Dar commended the OIC’s peace efforts and initiatives in the Middle East, expressing Pakistan’s full support for them.
