learnedutoday
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to lead the 15th OIC Summit in Banjul, Gambia.On May 4 and 5, 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prior to the summit, Dar will attend the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting on May 2 and 3, 2024, to finalize agenda items and outcome documents.
Given the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the summit holds particular significance for the Muslim Ummah. Providing an opportunity for OIC leaders to collectively address the dire situation and assert a unified stance on the Palestinian issue. Dar will articulate Pakistan’s perspectives on the Gaza crisis, the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu & Kashmir, and the imperative of upholding unity among the Ummah.
In addition to addressing global challenges such as rising Islamophobia, climate change, and terrorism, Dar aims to advocate for collective solutions to these issues during the summit. He will also engage in bilateral meetings with fellow leaders and foreign ministers to foster dialogue and cooperation on shared concerns.
Earlier this year, OIC information ministers condemned Israel’s ongoing military aggression and systematic oppression of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. They called for an unconditional cease-fire to prevent further loss of life and reiterated the importance of realizing the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights, including national independence and sovereignty with East Al-Quds as its capital.
In conclusion, Dar’s leadership at the OIC Summit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to addressing pressing global issues and advocating for the rights of oppressed communities, particularly in Gaza and Jammu & Kashmir.
Haseeb Abdullah
