DPM Dar reaffirms Pakistan's support for Somalia's sovereignty, integrity

Jeddah (Web Desk): Pakistan has called upon the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the global community to take a unified and firm stand against any steps that erode Somalia’s independence and territorial wholeness.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said this while addressing the extraordinary meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Jeddah.

He told the gathering that the session itself symbolised a shared show of support for Somalia in the face of what he termed an open violation of its sovereignty by Israel.

Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan remains fully committed to defending Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and internationally recognised borders.

Strongly criticising Israel’s decision to acknowledge Somaliland as well as the visit by its foreign minister to the region, Dar described both moves as unlawful and highly provocative.

He said these actions strike directly at Somalia’s recognised frontiers and amount to a serious breach of international law.

The deputy prime minister warned that such behaviour sets a dangerous example and could threaten stability not only in the Horn of Africa but beyond. He added that Israel’s actions also weaken collective efforts to counter terrorism by creating opportunities for extremist groups to exploit the situation.

Dar stressed that respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states is a fundamental rule of international law from which no deviation is allowed.

He said no outside power has either the legal right or moral standing to redraw Somalia’s borders, and any declaration or recognition aimed at doing so should be treated as invalid.

Noting Somalia’s recent political and institutional progress, he said this positive direction must be preserved and strengthened. Pakistan, he added, fully supports the OIC’s call on all countries and organisations to avoid any form of dealings with the Somaliland authorities.

He also made clear that Pakistan rejects any idea or scheme connected to Somaliland that involves the forced relocation of Palestinians or contributes to actions that undermine the chances of a fair and lasting peace.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s strong backing for the Palestinian people, Dar said Islamabad continues to stand with them in their struggle for self-determination.

He said Pakistan, as a key supporter of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, remains ready to play its part in ensuring its successful implementation, bringing an end to the war in Gaza and paving the way for a credible process towards Palestinian statehood.

Using the same platform, Dar highlighted the need for fresh and focused international efforts under the United Nations (UN) to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which he described as the central cause of tension in South Asia and a potential nuclear flashpoint.

He called on the OIC to step up its engagement to help achieve a just and lasting settlement of the Kashmir issue.