JEDDAH: Pakistan has reiterated its firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, declaring Somaliland an undisputed and integral part of Somalia.
Addressing an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the Israeli foreign minister’s visit to Somaliland “highly alarming” and a direct violation of Somalia’s internationally recognized borders.
He said no external entity or state has the legal or moral right to alter Somalia’s territorial status, adding that Pakistan strongly condemns what it described as Israel’s “illegal and unfounded actions.” Dar noted that Pakistan has also raised the issue and condemned Israel’s move at the United Nations.
According to the foreign minister, Israel’s actions pose a serious threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He said Pakistan, along with other OIC member states, has rejected Israel’s stance through a joint statement.
Dar emphasized that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of international law and the UN Charter, stressing that any statements or actions contrary to this principle would carry no legal or political weight. He warned that such moves could have grave regional consequences and undermine Somalia’s stability and development.
Speaking on the situation in Gaza, Dar called for an immediate end to the war and unhindered humanitarian assistance. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and rejected any form of forced displacement as a violation of international law.
He also urged the OIC to take further steps toward a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
