IN a world where geopolitical tensions and conflicts are multiplying, Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, has drawn global attention to two of the most enduring disputes: Palestine and Kashmir. His address at the 7th Ministerial Meeting of CICA could not have come at a more crucial moment. With violence escalating and instability growing, Dar’s call for just political solution is not just an appeal for justice but a call for peace that is long overdue in these regions.
Dar very rightly pointed out that lasting progress cannot happen in isolation, with such long-standing political disputes and foreign occupations hindering the potential for regional stability. By highlighting the plight of both the Palestinian and Kashmiri peoples, Dar added his voice to the growing demand for justice, calling for a resolution that guarantees their right to self-determination. The reality on the ground in both Palestine and IIOJK remains painful. Palestinians and Kashmiri people in IIOJK have been facing illegal occupation and oppression for the last many decades. These injustices cannot be overlooked any longer.
The global community must take action that moves beyond mere statements of sympathy or solidarity. As Dar emphasized, sustainable peace cannot be built on the back of ongoing injustices. To end these cycles of suffering, a genuine resolution to the conflicts must be pursued. The world must go beyond symbolic gestures and take concrete steps to ensure that promises made to the Palestinian and Kashmiri people are fulfilled. Only then can we hope to see true peace in the region. In this context, Muslim countries must step up their advocacy for justice in both Palestine and Kashmir. While many nations in the Muslim world have spoken out on these issues, there is a greater need for a united, concerted effort. The OIC has an important role to play. It must become more than just a diplomatic platform; it must act as a powerful voice for the voiceless, pushing for real change and pressing the international community to hold aggressors accountable.
