A Strategic Diplomatic Push at OIC Summit
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with Egypt and Algeria during a high-level engagement at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Jeddah. On August 25, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held pivotal talks with North African leaders on the sidelines of the OIC’s 21st extraordinary session, focusing on Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the urgent need for Muslim unity.
Using the platform, Dar advocated for a united front among Muslim nations and emphasized Pakistan’s desire to deepen ties with Egypt and Algeria through expanded cooperation in trade, health, education, and humanitarian aid.
High-Level Bilateral Meetings with Egypt and Algeria
During the OIC session, Deputy Prime Minister Dar met with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf. Describing the interactions as “meaningful,” Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to building stronger bridges with these North African allies.
“I reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening ties with our brotherly countries in North Africa, Algeria and Egypt, through enhanced connectivity and broader cooperation across diverse fields,” Dar shared on X.
In April 2025, Egypt and Pakistan had already agreed on health cooperation—particularly to combat Hepatitis C—and discussed plans for Egypt’s prestigious Al-Azhar University to establish a campus in Pakistan.
United Call for Gaza Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
A significant portion of the discussions revolved around the worsening situation in Gaza. The three nations—Pakistan, Egypt, and Algeria—voiced concern over the humanitarian catastrophe and emphasized:
- Immediate ceasefire in Gaza
- Unhindered humanitarian access
- Long-term regional peace and justice
- Solidarity among Muslim nations
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have already categorized Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide,” a claim echoed by multiple OIC member states during the summit.
The ministers discussed the critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with an emphasis on famine conditions and urgent aid deployment. They reiterated the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye, noting the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, and regional diplomacy.
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Pakistan Proposes Seven-Point Peace Framework at OIC
At the main OIC gathering, Ishaq Dar delivered a strongly-worded statement condemning Israel’s “rogue and annexationist mindset.” He called Tel Aviv’s attempts to seize control of Gaza City a direct threat to regional stability.
Dar proposed a seven-step action plan urging both the international community and Muslim countries to:
- Demand an immediate ceasefire
- Ensure access to humanitarian aid
- Protect civilians, especially women and children
- Uphold international law
- Condemn Israeli expansionist remarks
- Enforce accountability for war crimes
- Mobilize global institutions for lasting peace
Pakistan, along with 31 Arab and Islamic nations, fully supported a joint statement from the OIC, Arab League, and Gulf Cooperation Council denouncing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ‘Greater Israel’ rhetoric.
Algeria Urges Sanctions, Pakistan Supports Action
Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama made a firm call for international sanctions on Israel over its Gaza City operation. Pakistan expressed solidarity, indicating a growing consensus within Muslim countries to push for tangible diplomatic and economic responses.
These unified demands highlight a new phase in Islamic diplomacy—one that goes beyond verbal condemnation toward actionable pressure on Israel.
Table: Key Diplomatic Engagements at OIC Summit
| Country | Representative | Key Discussion Points |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | FM Badr Abdelatty | Strengthening ties, Gaza ceasefire, education cooperation |
| Algeria | FM Ahmed Attaf | Palestine solidarity, Gaza crisis, joint diplomatic measures |
| Turkiye | FM Hakan Fidan | Humanitarian aid, famine crisis in Gaza, bilateral cooperation |
| Saudi Arabia | FM Faisal Bin Farhan | Unity in Muslim Ummah, regional peace |
| Iran | FM Abbas Araghchi | OIC solidarity, anti-war measures |
| Malaysia | FM Mohamad Haji Hasan | Ceasefire support, educational exchange |
| Bangladesh | Md Touhid Hossain | Regional stability, Gaza famine response |
Meeting with Turkiye: Shared Vision on Gaza and Beyond
Deputy PM Dar also held talks with Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. He praised Turkiye’s leadership role as chair of the OIC ministerial session and acknowledged its unwavering support for Palestine.
The ministers discussed the critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with an emphasis on famine conditions and urgent aid deployment. They reiterated the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye, noting the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, and regional diplomacy.
Pakistan’s Consistent Stance on Palestine
Pakistan’s participation in the OIC session highlights its unwavering support for Palestine and consistent condemnation of Israeli aggression. As Dar emphasized, there is an urgent need to strengthen Muslim solidarity to effectively respond to the Gaza crisis.
Pakistan’s firm alignment with Egypt, Algeria, Turkiye, and other Muslim nations is seen as a strategic move to build consensus and elevate diplomatic pressure on Israel at international forums like the UN.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy at the OIC summit underscores its strategic intent to enhance partnerships with Egypt, Algeria, Turkiye, and other Muslim nations. With calls for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and lasting peace in Gaza, Islamabad is positioning itself as a key voice for regional justice and Muslim unity.
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