Following Iran Strike, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Calls for Islamic Unity

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday emphasized the need for unity among Muslim-majority countries in response to recent Israeli actions, calling for a collective stance through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) following an Israeli strike on Iran.

Speaking before Pakistan’s National Assembly, Asif strongly condemned the attack, which reportedly targeted Iranian military facilities and resulted in the deaths of both military personnel and civilians. He noted that Iran is a neighboring country with which Pakistan shares centuries-old ties, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support during what he described as a critical moment.

“In this difficult time, we stand with Iran and support it through all available means,” he stated. “Our bonds with the Iranian people are deep, and we share in their challenges.”

Islamic World at Risk

Asif warned that recent Israeli operations are not limited to Palestinian territories, but now extend to Yemen and Iran, making coordinated action within the Muslim world increasingly urgent. “If Muslim countries remain divided and silent,” he said, “we could all become future targets.”

He urged the OIC to convene an emergency session to develop a unified response to the current situation, emphasizing that individual positions are no longer sufficient given the evolving regional landscape.

Rejection of Normalization

The defense minister reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position of not recognizing Israel, stating: “Our stance has been consistent since day one. We have never established diplomatic relations with Israel.”

He called on other Muslim-majority states to reconsider or sever any formal ties with Israel, opposing all forms of political or economic normalization. According to Asif, engagement with Israeli authorities undermines the legitimate rights of Muslim communities, particularly in relation to the Palestinian issue.

Western Protests and Muslim Silence

Asif also pointed to increasing demonstrations in Western countries, including Europe and the United States, in response to Israeli actions. He contrasted these developments with what he described as a lack of comparable mobilization within parts of the Islamic world, suggesting a disparity in global reactions.