Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with North African countries, particularly Algeria and Egypt, through enhanced connectivity and multifaceted cooperation.
Dar made these remarks during a “meaningful interaction” with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty and Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah.
The three foreign ministers discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Palestine and emphasized the urgent need for unrestricted humanitarian access, an immediate ceasefire, and lasting peace in the region. They also stressed the importance of unity among Muslim nations during these challenging times.
Pakistan Strongly Condemns Israeli Actions
Earlier, in his address at the OIC session, Dar strongly condemned Israel’s continued aggression against Gaza and its recent escalatory statements. He slammed the Israeli cabinet’s plan to impose full military control over Gaza and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s references to a so-called “Greater Israel,” terming them evidence of Israel’s annexationist and rogue agenda.
Dar renewed Pakistan’s call for:
An immediate and effective ceasefire in Gaza,
Unhindered humanitarian aid,
An end to forced displacement, illegal settlement expansion, and annexation of Palestinian land,
Accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity,
No Full implementation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions.
The deputy premier lamented that the session was being held as Gaza “bled under systematic, premeditated violations” of international law, including humanitarian law, with Israel committing atrocities “with impunity.”
Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza
Gaza has become a graveyard for innocent lives as well as for international law, Dar stated, highlighting that over 60,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel’s relentless assault. He added that hospitals, schools, UN facilities, refugee camps, and aid convoys were being deliberately targeted as acts of collective punishment.
He described the situation as a “full-scale humanitarian catastrophe,” noting that for nearly two years Gaza has faced indiscriminate bombardment, total blockade, and deliberate starvation. “Famine is rampant. Civilians are being shot while trying to collect food. The hunger crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented and deeply alarming levels,” he said.
Dar concluded by stressing that the so-called humanitarian mechanisms introduced by the occupying power were a “cruel illusion,” and urged the international community to act decisively to end Israel’s impunity.
