ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is currently in Jeddah to attend the OIC Executive Council meeting focused on Palestine. During the meeting, Dar emphasized the need for coordinated actions against Israel if it does not halt its military campaign in Gaza. He proposed considering trade and oil sanctions if Israel continues its aggression.
Dar urged Iran and Palestine not to escalate the conflict further in response to recent Israeli actions. He expressed understanding for Iran and Palestine’s desire for retaliation but cautioned against fulfilling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s potential strategy for a broader conflict in the Middle East.
The meeting came amid heightened tensions following the assassination of Hamas’ political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran last week. Iran has accused Israel of the attack and vowed retaliation. Dar highlighted the grave consequences of the ongoing Israeli military campaign, which has resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths since October 7 of the previous year.
He called on OIC member states to take collective measures, including trade and oil sanctions, if Israel fails to comply with calls for a ceasefire. Dar also advocated for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and supported Palestine’s bid for full UN membership.
In Jeddah, Dar also met with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha to discuss the Gaza situation, Indian-administered Kashmir, and broader issues affecting Muslims. Additionally, Dar held discussions with the foreign ministers of Algeria and Malaysia, focusing on strengthening bilateral economic ties, trade, and investment.
