Gaza Crisis: Dar in Jeddah for OIC meeting

JEDDAH: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is representing Pakistan at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Council (OIC) of Foreign Ministers on the Gaza crisis being held in Jeddah today.

The session, held at the OIC Secretariat, comes as Israeli forces continue their military offensive and plans to seize full control of Gaza City. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli strikes have killed over 62,000 people and injured nearly 158,000, according to Palestinian health officials.

Dar was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to OIC, Ambassador Fawad Sher, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, and Consul General Khalid Majid.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V assures support for flood-hit Gilgit-Baltistan

The meeting brings together foreign ministers and senior officials from OIC member states to discuss a joint response to Israel’s escalating aggression, its plans for Gaza’s occupation, and ongoing violations of Palestinian rights.

The FO said Dar will strongly oppose Israel’s “outrageous” occupation plans and call for urgent humanitarian access. He will also reaffirm Pakistan’s support for Palestine and its demand for an independent, sovereign Palestinian state.

The OIC, founded in September 1969 after attacks on Al Aqsa Mosque, is the second-largest intergovernmental body after the UN, with 57 member countries.