Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has urged Muslim Ummah to forge a collective response to the current turmoil inside its borders and the ongoing global transition.

He was delivering his opening statement after assuming chairmanship of the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi emphasized on jointly addressing the challenges and conflicts within the Ummah and uniting for justice for the rights of Muslims under occupation and conflicts with countries beyond the Ummah.

He said this should also include the urgency of addressing the pervasive Islamophobia facing Muslims in non-Muslim majority countries.

The Foreign Minister also underlined partnering for development by effectively addressing the triple global crises of Covid-19, development, and climate change.

Referring to the situation in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said the people of both these territories are still reeling under abominable subjugation.  He said for the last seven decades, they have struggled to achieve their inalienable right to self-determination.

About Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister mentioned Pakistan’s role in strengthening OIC’s presence in war-torn country by reinforcing the OIC Mission in Kabul.

About Ukraine issue, the Foreign Minister said Pakistan is witnessing unprecedented turbulence at the global level, that conflict in Ukraine has rekindled East-West tensions, threatens international peace and security.