Pakistan has issued a forceful condemnation of Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, labeling it a dangerous political maneuver that could destabilize the Horn of Africa and undermine global legal norms. The strong stance was articulated by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during an extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Jeddah.
Pakistan's Unambiguous Stance at the OIC
Addressing the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, Ishaq Dar left no room for misinterpretation. He stated that Pakistan "strongly condemns the illegal and unlawful recognition by Israel of the Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia." His remarks served to reiterate Pakistan's unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia. This position was fully aligned with a joint statement issued by the OIC, which rejected the recognition of parts of sovereign states as a clear violation of the foundational principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.
A Dangerous Precedent for International Law
The core of Pakistan's argument centers on the sanctity of international law. The territorial integrity of Somalia is not a matter open for political negotiation; it is considered a peremptory norm in international law, meaning no exceptions are permitted. As Deputy PM Dar emphasized, no external actor possesses the legal authority or moral standing to unilaterally alter this reality. This move by Israel is seen not as an isolated incident but as a perilous precedent. If state recognition becomes a tool for political expediency rather than a function of established law, the security of borders worldwide is thrown into question, threatening the very integrity of the international system.
Risks to Regional Security and Counterterrorism
Beyond the legal implications, Pakistan warned of severe practical consequences. The Horn of Africa is already a fragile region, and Somalia continues to grapple with significant security threats. By fueling fragmentation and political contestation, Israel's actions risk creating unstable environments that extremist groups are known to exploit. This could directly undermine regional and international counterterrorism efforts, for which the people of Somalia have already paid a heavy price. Pakistan's principled stance, therefore, serves as a crucial reminder that in an increasingly fractured global order, steadfast adherence to international law remains the primary defense against descending into chaos.
