JEDDAH: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed that Somaliland is an undisputed and integral part of Somalia, emphasizing that no external actor or state has any legal or moral right to alter this reality.
Speaking at the extraordinary meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Dar described the Israeli foreign minister’s visit to Somaliland as deeply concerning, saying it amounts to a direct challenge to Somalia’s internationally recognized borders.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and strongly condemned Israel’s actions, which Pakistan has also denounced at the United Nations.
The foreign minister underscored Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, reiterating support for an independent, contiguous and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
He also urged the OIC to step up efforts on Jammu and Kashmir, calling for the realization of the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and their legitimate aspirations.
Earlier, on Friday, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, also inaugurated the new Chancery building of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Jeddah.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, Saudi dignitaries, Consul General of Pakistan in Jeddah Syed Mustafa Rabbani, prominent Pakistani citizens, and officials of the Pakistan Consulate, Jeddah.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Pakistani flag was raised on the premises of the new chancery building, followed by tree plantation on the chancery lawn, ribbon cutting, unveiling of the plaque, and prayers for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. A brief video report highlighting the features of the project was also displayed.
In his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah, and the support provided by the authorities of Saudi Arabia in making the project a reality. He emphasized that the government is committed to facilitating overseas Pakistanis through the provision of effective consular services.
After viewing the building and facilities, the Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction at the completion of the project and authorized the transfer of operations and consular services to the new chancery building at the earliest.
The Western Region of Saudi Arabia is home to about 1.8 million Pakistanis, and the new chancery building and its facilities will go a long way in facilitating services for the community.
