Jeddah, Pakistan on Saturday strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of the so-called “Somaliland” as an independent state, calling the move illegal, provocative and a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking at an extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reaffirmed Islamabad’s unwavering support for the Federal Republic of Somalia and warned that Israel’s actions could destabilize the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region.
The emergency meeting was convened at the initiative of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Somalia following Israel’s announcement and the subsequent visit of its foreign minister to Somaliland.
“Pakistan unequivocally rejects the unlawful recognition of Somaliland, which remains an integral, inseparable and inalienable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the foreign minister said, describing the move as a “flagrant violation of international law” and a dangerous precedent for the international system.
He stressed that Somalia’s internationally recognized borders are “sacrosanct and inviolable,” adding that no external actor has the legal standing or moral authority to alter them. Any such recognition, he said, should be considered “null and void,” carrying no political or legal effect.
Pakistan also highlighted that it had already raised the issue at the United Nations Security Council and joined other OIC member states in issuing a joint statement rejecting Israel’s action. The statement warned that recognizing parts of sovereign states undermines the UN Charter and risks serious repercussions for regional and international peace and security.
The foreign minister noted that the development comes at a sensitive time for Somalia, which he said has made encouraging progress in national reconciliation, constitutional reform, and rebuilding state institutions. He pointed to advances in economic legislation, financial reforms, and steps toward inclusive, one-person-one-vote elections as signs of a Somali-led path toward stability.
“These hard-earned gains must be protected, not sabotaged,” he said, cautioning that attempts to fragment Somalia could reverse years of progress and weaken regional efforts to combat terrorism, particularly the ongoing fight against Al-Shabab.
Pakistan praised the resilience and sacrifices of the Somali people and security forces and warned that destabilizing actions could create environments vulnerable to extremist exploitation, with implications far beyond Somalia’s borders.
Aligning itself with the OIC position, Pakistan called on all states and organizations to refrain from any formal or informal engagement with Somaliland authorities and to ensure that all interactions respect Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.
The foreign minister also rejected any proposals linking Somaliland to plans involving the forced displacement of Palestinians, calling such ideas a violation of international law and a threat to prospects for peace. Reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding position, he reiterated support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Pakistan said it would continue working with OIC and Arab partners to support Palestinian rights and contribute to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.
The address also touched on South Asia, with Pakistan urging renewed international efforts under UN auspices to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Islamabad welcomed the OIC’s continued support on the issue and called for more active engagement.
Concluding his remarks, the foreign minister called on the OIC and the broader international community to “speak with one voice” against actions undermining Somalia’s sovereignty, describing the extraordinary session as a powerful demonstration of solidarity with Somalia.
“Pakistan remains resolutely committed to standing with the government and people of Somalia as they continue their journey toward peace, stability and progress,” he said.
