The immediate call for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on August 7, 2024, has grabbed worldwide attention. Iran made the call following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Hamas political wing. Pakistan supported the call and raised concerns about the cold-blooded act of extraterrestrial assassination. Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, condemned the assassination in strong words and warned the Islamic world that it is Iran today and could be another OIC country tomorrow.
The situation in the Middle East is worsening day by day, and Haniyeh’s assassination has further worsened the problem. Iran invited Ismail Haniyeh as a state guest for the President Oath-taking ceremony on July 30, 2024. Israel violated Iran’s territorial integrity and brutally killed the Hamas leader. Despite Israel’s lack of official confession, Iran holds Israel accountable for the tragic incident, given the regional tension and the attack pattern. The Zionist state may deny the assassination attack, but the record of atrocities and barbarism tells a different story. Reports indicate that Israeli attacks on Gaza claim the lives of 38,000 people, injure 91722, and force about 2.3 million people to flee their homes.
Pakistan’s stature in the Muslim world could make its role highly effective. The Muslim world recognizes Pakistan’s efforts in the OIC for Palestine’s cause and stands against the aggressor. Pakistan’s importance to the OIC is underscored by Pakistan’s status as the sole member state with nuclear weapons and the second most populous Muslim-majority nation (after Indonesia) underscores its importance to the OIC. Palestinians and Kashmiris, have consistently had Pakistan’s support since the organization’s inception.
Participating in various OIC committees and programs reflects the organization’s commitment to promoting unity and cooperation among Muslim nations. Powerful military and strategic capabilities provide Pakistan with greater influence within the Muslim Umma, allowing it to address crucial concerns affecting the community.
Pakistan emphasized the necessity of a coordinated response to what it has characterized as an atrocious offense, reiterating Iran’s demand. The foreign minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, expressed strong condemnation of the assassination and offered his nation’s sincerest sympathies to the families of the victims. They scheduled the meeting in Jerusalem to address the “crimes of the Israeli occupation” and the assassination of Haniyeh. Pakistan’s participation shows its commitment to fostering unity among OIC member states and addressing critical issues affecting the Muslim world.
The Muslim world should seriously contemplate an economic boycott of Israel, especially fossil fuels coming through Turkey from Azerbaijan if they wish to boost the probability of a ceasefire. Important fossil fuels account for about 90% of Azerbaijan’s exports. Using their combined economic might, Muslim-majority nations may exert pressure on Azerbaijan to alter its stance and actions. The Muslim world may demonstrate its solidarity and power in addressing critical geopolitical issues by working together in this manner, which might result in improved security in the area.
Another strategic option to reduce Middle Eastern tensions and put an end to the war between Israel and the West is to block the Straits of Hormuz and Tiran. With the Strait of Hormuz transporting about 20% of the world’s oil, these vital oil conduits are essential to the world’s energy supply. Disruption of these lines would have a significant impact on global oil markets, putting pressure on Western nations and Israel to reach a peaceful resolution. This strategy emphasizes the geopolitical significance of the chokepoints in the region’s oil transit for international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
The Muslim world is determined to react aggressively against Israel, as seen by Pakistan’s support and participation in Iran’s call for an OIC conference. This unified front reflects the determination of all OIC member states to address the most recent escalation and strive for justice. More volatility might occur, and the whole community has to be aware of this. To ensure stability and peace in the Middle East, global actors must engage in fruitful dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution. Given the critical nature of the issue at hand, we must move immediately and in concert to alleviate tensions and create lasting peace.
