JEDDAH: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it a direct attack on Somalia’s internationally recognised borders. Speaking at an extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dar said Pakistan fully supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
He stated that Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland and the visit of its foreign minister to the region are illegal, unrealistic, and deeply alarming. According to Dar, such actions violate international law and undermine the fundamental principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that no external state has the legal or moral authority to alter internationally recognised borders, and any such move carries no legal or political legitimacy.
Dar warned that Israel’s actions could destabilize the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, posing serious threats to regional peace and security. He added that Pakistan, along with other OIC member states, has jointly rejected Israel’s move and has also raised the issue at the United Nations, citing violations of international law and the UN Charter.
Highlighting Somalia’s progress, Dar noted the country’s efforts toward national reconciliation, constitutional reforms, and institutional strengthening. He stressed that democratic elections based on public mandate are key to Somalia’s development, while forced displacement remains a clear violation of international law.
The foreign minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, calling for an end to the Gaza war and unhindered humanitarian assistance. OIC officials and representatives from Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Turkey, and Somalia echoed strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty and rejected Israel’s actions.
