Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar participated in the Open-Ended Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 7 August 2024. The meeting was convened at the request of the State of Palestine and the Islamic Republic of Iran to discuss Israeli aggression against Palestine in Gaza and other regional countries.
In his statement, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister strongly condemned the Israeli genocide of the Palestinian people and expressed grave concern about the growing Israeli adventurism in the Middle East. He called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza; provision of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people; de-escalation of tensions in the region and accountability for the war crimes committed by the occupation authorities.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the creation 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.
Key Points of the Open-Ended Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee
What is the OIC? The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second-largest intergovernmental organization in the world after the United Nations, with 57 member states. Established in 1969, the OIC seeks to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world, promote international peace and harmony, and foster cooperation among its member countries in political, economic, social, cultural, and scientific fields.
Significance of the OIC The OIC holds significant influence as a collective voice for the Muslim world, addressing issues that affect its member states, such as conflicts, human rights violations, and socio-economic challenges. The organization’s resolutions and declarations often shape global and regional policies, making it a vital platform for Muslim-majority countries to coordinate their positions on international matters.
Why Was the Extraordinary Meeting Called? The Open-Ended Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee was convened on 7 August 2024, in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to address urgent issues affecting the Muslim world. This extraordinary session was called in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in a member state, rising tensions in certain regions, and recent developments that threatened the peace and stability of OIC countries.
The meeting aimed to:
- Address the Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis: Discuss the situation in conflict-affected areas within member states and coordinate efforts to provide humanitarian aid and support to the affected populations.
- Condemn Acts of Aggression: Formulate a collective response to acts of aggression and human rights violations against Muslim communities, particularly in occupied territories or regions under siege.
- Promote Unity and Solidarity: Reinforce the need for unity among OIC member states to effectively tackle challenges and strengthen the organization’s role in the international arena.
Impact of the Meeting The outcome of this extraordinary meeting is expected to have significant implications for the OIC and the broader international community:
- Strengthened Diplomatic Efforts: The resolutions passed during the meeting are likely to strengthen diplomatic efforts to address conflicts and crises in the Muslim world, urging the international community to take concrete actions.
- Increased Humanitarian Assistance: The meeting is expected to result in a coordinated approach to increasing humanitarian assistance to affected regions, ensuring that aid reaches those in need more efficiently.
- Enhanced Unity Among Member States: By addressing pressing issues collectively, the meeting is likely to enhance unity and solidarity among OIC member states, enabling them to present a united front on global platforms.
- Broader Global Impact: The decisions made during this meeting will influence global diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, particularly in regions where the OIC has a direct interest. This may lead to increased international attention and involvement in resolving conflicts affecting Muslim-majority countries.
Overall, the Open-Ended Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee in Jeddah underscores the organization’s pivotal role in addressing critical issues within the Muslim world and highlights its ongoing efforts to promote peace, security, and cooperation among its member states.