RIYADH: On Sunday, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, expressed hope that the newly-elected US administration would prioritize reviving peace initiatives in the Middle East, in line with United Nations resolutions and international law.
Speaking at the Preparatory Meeting for the Second Arab-Islamic Summit on the Middle East, Dar emphasized that simply condemning Israeli actions was insufficient. He called for immediate and decisive action to uphold both the moral and legal responsibility to support Palestinian rights and seek justice for the Palestinian people.
“The Muslim Ummah is looking to us for leadership,” Dar remarked. “It is essential that we demonstrate steadfast political resolve and unity, taking concrete actions to address the situation effectively.”
Dar stressed the urgent need for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the broader region, alongside the provision of unhindered humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. He called for pressure on Israel to cease its ongoing demonization of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and urged the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to ensure the continuation of its vital operations.
Furthermore, he advocated for the full implementation of the UNGA resolution ES-10/24, supporting Palestine’s full membership in the UN, and exploring legal measures to hold Israel accountable for alleged war crimes. Dar also proposed an immediate arms embargo on Israel, a comprehensive review of its UN membership, and the nomination of a Joint Arab-Islamic Special Envoy to coordinate progress on resolutions from the Arab-Islamic Summits.
Reflecting on the previous Joint Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh last November, Dar noted that despite the resolutions adopted to end the conflict in Gaza, the situation had only deteriorated. He condemned Israel’s flagrant violations of international law, pointing out that Israeli forces continued to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians.
Over the past year, Dar noted that more than 44,000 Palestinians had lost their lives, over 100,000 had been injured, and millions had been displaced. He also condemned the ongoing restrictions on international humanitarian access to Palestinians.
“The relentless pursuit of a so-called ‘Greater Israel’ through territorial expansion beyond Palestine endangers regional peace and stability,” Dar said, also condemning Israel’s military actions against neighboring countries as a violation of the UN Charter and international law.
The Deputy Prime Minister criticized the inaction of the UN Security Council and the dismissal of calls from the UN General Assembly, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the International Court of Justice for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians.
Dar praised Saudi Arabia’s initiative for the establishment of the “Global Alliance for the Implementation of a Two-State Solution” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Alliance’s objectives. “Pakistan looks forward to actively participating in the working groups of the Global Alliance,” he added.
Recognizing the work of the Ministerial Committee formed after the first Arab-Islamic Summit, Dar commended their efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue. Pakistan, he said, has consistently supported the Palestinian cause, providing humanitarian aid, scholarships for Palestinian students, and medical education opportunities for Palestinian students in Pakistan.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advocating for a viable, contiguous, and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
In conclusion, Dar expressed his gratitude to Saudi leaders, including the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud for convening the crucial preparatory meeting. He also lauded the tireless efforts of the OIC and Arab League leaders in championing the Palestinian cause.
