DPM calls Israeli attack on Iran grave threat to global peace

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar strongly condemned Israel’s recent military strikes on Iran, calling them “unprovoked” and a “serious threat to regional and global peace.”

“Israeli aggression against Iran is part of a dangerous and consistent pattern of militarism,” he noted, while reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Iran’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

During his address to the 51st Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Istanbul, Dar called the meeting “crucial” amid unprecedented challenges to the Muslim Ummah, and highlighted the worsening situation in Palestine and other conflict zones.

“Millions continue to be subjected to unprecedented suffering in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” he said. “Several OIC Member States are witnessing blatant armed aggression.”

Dar accused Israel of a “genocidal campaign” in Gaza, stating that more than 55,000 Palestinians—mainly women and children—had been killed, with millions displaced and humanitarian aid deliberately blocked.

“Life-saving and humanitarian aid is being deliberately denied, along with targeting of the humanitarian workers,” he added.

He stated that Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, co-sponsored a resolution earlier this month demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, which was vetoed.

“We demand an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” Dar said, “along with unfettered humanitarian access, and accountability for Israeli war crimes.” He reiterated Pakistan’s full support for a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders.

Highlighting recent tensions with India, Dar said Pakistan was forced to respond to what he described as “unprovoked military aggression.”

“We repulsed the outrageous Indian attack, downed six of their military aircrafts, and inflicted heavy damage to military installations,” he claimed, while accusing India of targeting civilians.

He warned that India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty could trigger further instability. “Pakistan will not allow India to stop water for our people. It will be treated as an act of war,” he stated.

Dar also reiterated Pakistan’s demand for a UN-backed resolution of the Indian Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir dispute and praised OIC’s continued support for Kashmiris.

He raised concerns over “externally sponsored terrorism” from groups like TTP and ISIL-K operating from neighbouring territories.

“These attacks are not isolated but part of a systematic campaign of state-enabled terrorism,” he said.

On Afghanistan, he urged the international community to maintain humanitarian assistance and pressed the interim Afghan government to uphold its commitments on human rights, particularly for women and girls.

Dar called Islamophobia “one of the most pressing human rights challenges of our time.” He highlighted Pakistan’s role in declaring 15 March the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and welcomed the appointment of special envoys at the UN and OIC levels to address the issue.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing the role of the OIC in international peace and security as it prepares to assume the presidency of the UN Security Council next month.

“We will convene a dedicated briefing to strengthen institutional cooperation between the UN Security Council and the OIC,” he said.

He concluded by calling for unity in the face of global challenges.

“The challenges we face are formidable, but our collective strength is even greater. Let us reaffirm our solidarity and act with unity and resolve to uphold the dignity, rights, and aspirations of our peoples and Ummah,” he concluded.