The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of the so-called “Somaliland” as an independent state, calling it an act of political aggression that threatens peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
He made the remarks while addressing the 22nd extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, convened after Israel’s move and the subsequent visit of its foreign minister to the region.
Firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty
Dar said Pakistan stood in “unwavering support” of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
He described Israel’s step as illegal and unlawful, and said it amounted to a direct assault on Somalia’s internationally recognized borders. He stressed that state sovereignty and territorial integrity were peremptory norms of international law from which no deviation was allowed.
The foreign minister said Somaliland remained an integral and inseparable part of Somalia and that no external actor had the legal or moral authority to alter this reality.
OIC’s united response
He said Pakistan joined other OIC members in rejecting Israel’s move through a joint statement that termed the recognition of parts of states a violation of the UN Charter and international law.
Dar warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent and have serious repercussions for regional and international security. He said it was vital for the OIC and the wider world to send a clear message so that this act did not become a model for others to follow.
Regional stability and terrorism risks
Dar said the timing of the move was especially alarming as Somalia was making progress in national reconciliation, constitutional reform, and institutional rebuilding. He warned that Israel’s action risked undermining efforts to fight terrorism and could create fragile environments that extremist groups might exploit.
He also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Somali people and their security forces against Al-Shabab and its affiliates.
Palestine and Kashmir
The foreign minister also rejected any proposal linking Somaliland to the forced displacement of Palestinians and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds as its capital.
As a non-permanent UNSC member, he said Pakistan would continue to work with partners for peace. He also raised the issue of Indian-occupied Kashmir, calling it a nuclear flashpoint and urging renewed international efforts for a just solution.
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