ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to deepen ties with North African nations, including Egypt and Algeria, through greater regional connectivity and cooperation across multiple sectors.
Dar met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Algerian FM Ahmed Attaf on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah. He described the interaction as “meaningful,” with discussions centering on bilateral cooperation as well as the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. The foreign ministers jointly stressed the urgent need for unity in the Muslim Ummah and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
During the session, Dar strongly condemned Israel’s aggressive statements and actions regarding Gaza, including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s references to a “Greater Israel.” He said these pronouncements revealed Israel’s annexationist and expansionist mindset.
He reiterated Pakistan’s demand for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, accountability for war crimes, and strict implementation of international humanitarian law. Dar condemned the systematic targeting of hospitals, schools, UN facilities, refugee camps, and aid convoys, calling them deliberate acts of collective punishment.
Highlighting the humanitarian catastrophe, Dar said Gaza has endured indiscriminate bombardment, blockade, and deprivation for nearly two years. He warned that famine is rampant and civilians are even being targeted while trying to access food. “Gaza has become a graveyard for innocent lives and for international law itself,” he remarked.
