ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar rejecting Israel’s recognition of so-called “Somaliland” said it is illegal and contrary to international law, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Addressing at the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Minister, he noted the act sets a dangerous precedent with serious implications for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
He underscored Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, reiterating support for an independent, contiguous and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
READ MORE: Pakistan condemns Israel’s recognition of ‘so-called Somaliland region’
He also urged the OIC to step up efforts on Jammu & Kashmir, calling for the realization of the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and their legitimate aspirations.
“We strongly condemned the illegal and unlawful recognition by Israel of the Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the subsequent unwarranted and highly provocative visit of its foreign minister to Somaliland,” Dar maintained.
He said Pakistan also voiced its firm support for Somalia and condemned Israel’s actions during the UN Security Council’s briefing on the issue.
He said that the internationally recognized borders of Somalia are sacrosanct and inviolable, and the Somaliland region remains an integral, inseparable and inalienable part of Somalia, added, “No external actor has either the legal standing or the moral authority to alter that fundamental reality.”
Any act, statement or recognition thereof by a state or an external entity regarding any part of the Federal Republic of Somalia should therefore be considered null and void, producing no political or legal effects, he said.
“We believe that such recognition of an integral part of a sovereign State is not a diplomatic act, but an act of political aggression that sets a perilous precedent, threatening peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region, and beyond,” he added.
He said that Pakistan joined the group of OIC countries in unequivocally rejecting the unlawful Israeli move through the Joint statement released in the immediate aftermath of the supposed Israeli recognition of “Somaliland.”
The Joint statement termed the recognition of “parts of states” a violation of the cardinal principles of international law and the UN Charter and noted the Israeli action’s potential serious repercussions for the Horn of Africa region, the Red Sea region and for international security as a whole.
The OIC and the wider international community’s firm rejection of this unlawful overture by Israel is, therefore, vital so that the impudent Israeli act does not set a precedent for other countries
“The concerning developments in the Horn of Africa region are particularly alarming at a time when Somalia is demonstrating encouraging and tangible progress on its political and institutional trajectory. The Federal Republic of Somalia has made notable strides in national reconciliation, constitutional reform and the revitalization of state institutions,” he said.
He further said that Pakistan also recognses the sacrifices and resilience of the Somali people and its security forces in thwarting the consistent threat posed by Al-Shabab and its affiliates. Israel’s brazen recklessness undermines regional and international efforts aimed at combating terrorism in a region beset with this challenge. It also opens the door to the creation of fragile environments susceptible to infiltration and exploitation by extremist groups, thereby negatively impacting regional and global security.
“Pakistan fully aligns itself with the OIC’s call for all States and organizations to refrain from any form of formal, semi-formal, or informal engagement with the authorities of Somaliland, and to ensure that any engagement strictly respects the sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” he added.
Pakistan categorically rejects any proposal or plan aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians and linkages of Somaliland region of Federal Republic of Somalia with any such illegal action.
“Any action that advocates or implies the displacement or relocation of Palestinians not only violates international law but also undermines the prospect of a just and lasting peace in the region,” he said.
He further said Pakistan reaffirm our steadfast support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle for self-determination. The only path to lasting peace and stability lies in the realization of an independent, contiguous and sovereign state of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders and with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital, he added.
“As a frontline supporter of the UNSCR 2803 and the ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,’ Pakistan reiterates the intention to contribute to its successful implementation thereof, with a view to ensuring the sustainability of the ceasefire, bringing an end to the war in Gaza, to secure a dignified life for the Palestinian people who have endured prolonged humanitarian suffering, and leading to a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood,” he said.
“The unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the primary source of conflict in South Asia and a nuclear flash point. There is an urgent need for renewed and concerted efforts under the UN auspices to secure a just, lasting, and peaceful resolution of the dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. We appreciate the strong, unwavering and consistent support that the OIC has always afforded to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Nevertheless, we urge the OIC to step up its efforts to support a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute”, Ishaq Dar said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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