Dar urges OIC states to strengthen diplomatic efforts for Palestine

NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for stronger coordination among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries to support Palestinians at the United Nations and other international forums.

Addressing the OIC Committee of Six on Palestine on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Dar said sustained diplomatic efforts were needed to protect Palestinian rights and uphold international law.

He said the Palestine issue remained a central concern for the OIC and the wider Muslim world. He added that the Committee of Six had an important role in building political and diplomatic support for the Palestinian people.

Dar said the situation in Gaza remained extremely fragile, with the ceasefire facing repeated violations. He stressed that the international community must continue focusing on the humanitarian crisis and Palestinian rights.

The foreign minister said the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank required urgent attention. He noted that recent diplomatic efforts had created an opportunity to move towards a political process, but significant challenges remained.

Dar welcomed the efforts of the United States, Qatar and Türkiye in supporting the implementation of a broader plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. He said international mediation efforts should continue to support a durable ceasefire and political settlement.

Turning to the West Bank, Dar criticised Israel’s settlement expansion, settler violence and policies that Pakistan says threaten the territorial integrity and continuity of the occupied Palestinian territory. He said such developments could also undermine the prospects for a future Palestinian state.

He also raised concerns over developments at Al-Aqsa Mosque and other Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Dar called for the protection of their historical and legal status and respect for relevant international agreements and UN resolutions.

The foreign minister outlined several priorities for the OIC Committee of Six. These include protecting the status of holy sites, opposing settlement expansion and forced displacement, and supporting Palestinian-led arrangements for Gaza.

Dar said reconstruction and governance in Gaza should remain Palestinian-led, with a central role for the Palestinian Authority.

He also called for accountability over alleged violations of international law and international humanitarian law. He urged OIC members to coordinate their positions more closely at the UN and other international platforms.

Dar said international efforts should lead to a credible and time-bound political process aimed at establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

He reiterated Pakistan’s support for a Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for full UN membership for Palestine.