ISLAMABAD:
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Council of Foreign Ministers (OIC-CFM) has called for strict adherence to bilateral agreements between Pakistan and India, including the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), amid growing tensions in South Asia.
The declaration was made during the 51st CFM session held in Istanbul, Turkey, under the theme “The OIC in a Transforming World”, which concluded on Sunday.
Support for Pakistan, Call to Uphold Indus Waters Treaty
The Istanbul Declaration reaffirmed the need for compliance with the Pakistan-India ceasefire agreement of May 10, 2025, urging both sides to avoid any actions that could destabilize the region.
The CFM also expressed deep concern over India’s “unjustified strikes” on Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, reiterating support for regional peace and stability.
Highlighting recent concerns from Pakistan over alleged Indian violations of the Indus Waters Treaty through dam and hydropower projects, the OIC ministers demanded a strict commitment to the agreement, describing it as a pillar of regional water security.
The declaration also condemned human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination as per UN and OIC resolutions.
Condemnation of Israeli Actions and Global Concerns
The CFM condemned Israeli military aggression on Iran and the broader campaign of violence in Gaza and the
West Bank, labelling it a systematic attempt to eliminate Palestinian identity.
Calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access, the declaration accused Israel of using starvation as a method of genocide and urged accountability for crimes against humanity.
The declaration called for a UN-led peace conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France to push forward the two-state solution for Palestine.
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The session also denounced Islamophobia and extremism, emphasising that terrorism should not be linked to any religion or ethnicity.
Progress in Armenia-Azerbaijan ties and support for Syrian integration into the global community were also acknowledged, alongside praise for Pakistan, Algeria, and Somalia’s efforts at the UN Security Council.
