OIC Istanbul Session Reaffirms Unshakable Support for Pakistan, Kashmir Cause

In a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) once again echoed its unwavering support for the Kashmir cause during its 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held in Istanbul on 21–22 June 2025. Under the theme “OIC’s Role in a Changing World,” the summit marked a turning point in amplifying Pakistan’s stance on Indian aggression and spotlighting Kashmir’s plight at the global level.

The Istanbul Declaration strongly condemned India’s unprovoked attacks on Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, expressing full solidarity with Pakistan. It urged all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement and emphasized peaceful resolution of disputes through bilateral frameworks, including the Indus Waters Treaty. The OIC also called for comprehensive dialogue to de-escalate tensions and build long-term peace in South Asia.

One of the summit’s most prominent themes was Kashmir. The declaration reaffirmed that the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) have an inalienable right to self-determination, a stance firmly grounded in existing UN and OIC resolutions. Delegates decried the ongoing human rights violations in the region, particularly the Indian military’s crackdown on civil liberties, political expression, and religious freedoms.

The OIC Contact Group on Kashmir met on 22 June and demonstrated a united front. Chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the meeting was attended by senior representatives from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Niger, and the UN Special Envoy on Kashmir, along with prominent Kashmiri figure Muzammil Ayyub Thakur. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir dispute, underscoring the regional and global implications of Indian policies.

Member states expressed strong alignment with Pakistan. Azerbaijan emphasized a solution in accordance with UN resolutions. Saudi Arabia called for meaningful peace talks, while Türkiye vocally opposed India’s demographic changes in IIOJK. Niger warned of catastrophic consequences if tensions escalate into war. The UN envoy highlighted India’s continued restrictions on political activity, religious freedom, and the alarming pattern of demographic manipulation.

Muzammil Thakur, speaking on behalf of Kashmiris, warned that India’s Hindutva-driven expansionism threatens not just regional stability, but global peace as well.