AT a time when the drums of war echo across regions and geopolitical interests outweigh humanitarian principles, it is not rhetoric but resolute vision that distinguishes great nations from mere players.
The 51st Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, held on 21–22 June 2025, was more than a diplomatic gathering — it was a timely and morally charged initiative, led by Turkey and Pakistan, two nations increasingly emerging as the conscience of the Muslim world.
Amid global apathy, the summit revived the long-dormant spirit of Islamic unity and sovereign integrity. The joint diplomatic stance of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistan’s leadership — particularly Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir — gave voice to the silenced suffering in Palestine and Iran, calling out Israeli aggression and its Western enablers.
Istanbul Summit: One Voice, One Vision: President Erdoğan, unwavering in his stance on Jerusalem and Gaza, declared: “Netanyahu is a threat not only to Palestine but to the entire Muslim world.” Echoing this, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar warned: “The world’s silence over the Middle East will only fuel catastrophe. The oppressed cannot wait for justice forever.” He further posted: “Let Muslims unite for the protection of the Holy Sanctuary.” These statements captured the essence of the Istanbul Declaration: strategic unity, principled resistance and an unshakable moral compass.
From Washington to Istanbul: Pakistan’s Strategic Arc: Pakistan’s diplomacy showed continuity — from Washington to Istanbul. Just days before the summit, Field Marshal Asim Munir met U.S. President, Donald Trump, to discuss Middle East tensions. He made Pakistan’s position unequivocally clear: “Pakistan will not become a party to any foreign war, nor will it allow its soil to be used against another nation.” In Istanbul, he met Turkish military leaders and Arab defence ministers to forge a joint strategic doctrine. Asim Munir emphasized: “Wars are fought not just with weapons, but with narratives. The Muslim world must unify both its discourse and its policies.”
Nawaz Sharif’s Call for Diplomacy: Back home, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran and condemned Israel’s aggression. Following a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, held after consultations with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the state’s position was reasserted: restraint, dialogue and respect for international law. Nawaz Sharif stated: “Pakistan desires peace, not war. What is needed now is de-escalation through principled diplomacy.” This alignment of civil and military leadership revealed a rare strategic clarity: a foreign policy rooted in sovereignty, neutrality and moral strength.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif: Legal and Moral Clarity: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned any potential strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities: “A blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and the principles of the IAEA. Pakistan will not support or participate in any war that endangers regional peace.” He added: “Pakistan is a responsible nuclear power. Our policy is rooted in sovereignty, peaceful coexistence and non-interference.”
Iran’s response: Cautious but positive: Tehran welcomed the unified stance of Turkey and Pakistan, particularly Field Marshal Munir’s remarks on proxy wars: “Muslim leadership must now transcend condemnations and move toward building real unity.” Sources suggest the US may once again request logistical access from Pakistan. However, given Islamabad’s firm civil-military consensus, such a request appears unlikely to be entertained.
A Defining Moment: Between Hesitation and History: If Turkey, Pakistan and Iran can transform this momentum into an institutional alliance, the Muslim world can move from symbolic declarations to strategic realignment. President Erdoğan’s boldness, Ishaq Dar’s diplomacy, Nawaz Sharif’s foresight, Shahbaz Sharif’s legal precision and Field Marshal Munir’s strategic leadership — if upheld collectively — may redefine the geopolitical relevance of the Ummah in the 21st century.
This is not a moment for silence or token gestures. This is a moment for united narratives, purposeful diplomacy and principled resolve. Should Muslim leadership let it pass, history will not offer a second chance. But if they rise — with courage, clarity and cohesion —then, in the words of Iqbal: “Let Muslims unite for the protection of the Holy Sanctuary.” Such leadership will not merely be remembered as power holders —but as architects of a renewed moral order for the Muslim world.
—The writer is a Supreme Court lawyer and former member & Chairman Standing Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. Islamabad
