Ishaq Dar speaking at an OIC high-level event on peace and tolerance on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly
ISLAMABAD:
An extraordinary meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is being held today in Jeddah to discuss Israel’s recognition of the self-proclaimed region of Somaliland, a move that drew strong condemnation from the Muslim world.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the meeting and present Pakistan’s perspective.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the emergency meeting was called in view of “the rapid escalation of events in Somalia”, following Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent entity.
The OIC has described the move as a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. During the session, Dar is expected to reiterate Islamabad’s strong support for Somalia’s unity and internationally recognized borders.
The Foreign Minister will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines with his counterparts from OIC Member States to discuss broader regional and international developments, as well as avenues for further cooperation.
The OIC Secretary-General said the extraordinary meeting aims to coordinate a unified Islamic position and reaffirm full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and relevant OIC resolutions.
Somaliland, located in northwest Somalia, unilaterally declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali central government.
While the region has maintained its own administration, security apparatus, and regular elections, it has not been recognized as a sovereign state by the United Nations or any major international organization.
The federal government in Mogadishu has consistently maintained that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia. Therefore, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has sparked significant controversy, not only in Somalia but also throughout Africa and the Muslim world.
Somali authorities have strongly condemned the move, calling it an infringement on their sovereignty and a destabilizing step for the Horn of Africa, a region already facing conflict, piracy, humanitarian crises and great power competition.
Within the OIC, the issue is seen as setting a worrying precedent that could encourage separatist movements and undermine the principle of territorial integrity enshrined in international law.
Several Member States have expressed concern that unilateral recognition of breakaway regions could further fragment fragile states.
Pakistan has traditionally taken a clear position on these issues, consistently opposing unilateral secession and external recognition of disputed territories.
Diplomats say Islamabad is likely to closely align with the OIC consensus, emphasizing respect for sovereignty, non-interference and adherence to international legal frameworks.
Analysts note that Pakistan’s stance on Somaliland is also shaped by its broader foreign policy principles, including strong support for Muslim countries facing territorial challenges and opposition to actions perceived as violating international norms.
Islamabad has long supported Somalia in multilateral forums and supported international efforts aimed at stabilization and state-building in the country.
The outcome of the Jeddah meeting is expected to include a strong collective statement condemning Israel’s move, reaffirming Somalia’s territorial integrity and possibly outlining diplomatic measures to raise the issue in international forums, including the UN.
As tensions continue to simmer, the OIC’s extraordinary session underscores the growing diplomatic consequences of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and highlights the organization’s attempt to present a united front on an issue with far-reaching regional and geopolitical implications.
