Pakistan’s Re-Election to OIC’s Human Rights Body Signals Renewed Moral Leadership in the Muslim World

Pakistan’s re-election to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) for 2025-2028 is more than a diplomatic achievement. It is a demonstration of Pakistan’s long-term commitment towards ensuring human rights in the Islamic world. At a moment when numerous Muslim-majority nations are facing crises of occupation, violation of civil rights, Islamophobia, and regional instability, Pakistan’s return to this important organization is a reflection of its increasing stature as an advocate of justice. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar made the re-election announcement with gratitude, thanking member states of the OIC and reiterating Pakistan’s determination to take an active role in commission activities.

The IPHRC, which has been around since 2011, has been an independent and singular forum within the OIC serving in advisory capacity to promote the cause of human rights of Muslim citizens across the globe. It presents a model of justice on Islamic values and international law. Pakistan’s membership with the IPHRC has always proved to be beneficial.

As a nuclear democracy and the world’s second-largest Muslim nation, Pakistan not only provides political credibility but also experiential know-how in navigating challenges of religious freedom, development rights, and regional peacebuilding. Pakistani representatives have, over time, played critical roles in shaping consequential debates around the rights of women and children, minority protection, and fighting violent extremism and resisting Islamophobia. The re-election is thus a reaffirmation and a reinforcement of Pakistan’s position in the OIC. The nomination of experienced diplomat Riffat Masood as Pakistan’s new envoy to the IPHRC is especially a canny choice.

Masood is renowned for her political savvy and for championing the cause of Pakistan well in influential world capitals. Her background, especially in Iran and the wider Middle East, positions her extremely well to manage the complex and often polarized politics of Muslim geopolitics. In a time when diplomacy is strained and international human rights machinery is being co-opted or bypassed by great power politics more and more, the step by Pakistan is one of cautious, judicious action in responsible representation. Her induction on the Commission will reportedly provide more voice to Pakistan in bringing about the people’s cause of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

India’s role in the region since August 2019 has drawn the nation onto the world map. It encompasses revocation of Article 370, communication blockade, collective detention, expropriation of land and constant attempts at altering the geography of the territory. All such actions have been termed as international law violations by earnest international rights organizations. Pakistan’s presence at the IPHRC is essential in keeping the pressure, and in keeping the international eye on the issue in relation to the Indian state’s attempt to erase Kashmiri identity.

At the recent 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Istanbul, the Deputy Prime Minister Dar condemned the Israeli assaults on Gaza and the recent assaults inside Iranian borders. He was right when he said that these assaults were not acts of aggression motivated by a momentary anger but part of a thought-out policy of harassment which destabilizes the region and goes against humanitarian principles. While Gaza bleeds from blockades, indiscriminate bombings and leveling of civilian infrastructure, the majority of Western nations have kept quiet or given their verdict with conditions. Pakistan’s loud condemnation of Israel’s acts and demand for responsibility demonstrate moral clarity. The OIC must rise to the challenge in such a leadership situation when Muslim unity is torn asunder by competing interests. The re-election comes during a time of increased regional upheaval.

Both Iran and Pakistan, two of the OIC’s most prominent members, have recently experienced military aggression. Pakistan is still plagued by terrorism suspected to be sponsored by India in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including fire across the border and narrative warfare. Iran has been subjected to constant Israeli pressure through intelligence activities and armed raids. But both nations have opted for multilateralism and diplomacy over futile revenge. Pakistan’s membership in the IPHRC proves that its policy is valued and honored by the Muslim world. It should be kept in mind that the IPHRC can certainly not have the arm of enforcement but is valuable in establishing moral and diplomatic norms.

The Commission can make reports, build international awareness and enable member states to take informed positions. In a world where Western-led human rights groups are most likely to be accused of double standards and selective morality, the IPHRC offers a more even-handed alternative. Pakistani membership can be leveraged to give Muslim Global South voices an opportunity to be heard and not leave Muslim communities under threat of silence. Another little-noticed aspect is the emphasis placed by the Commission on positive rights. These are rights to education, to health, to economic opportunity and to cultural preservation. Pakistan, as a long-standing advocate of the right to development as a human right, stands well-placed to campaign for equal development among Muslim underdeveloped countries. Its success on poverty reduction programs, response to disasters and social safety nets like the Ehsaas Program can be used to guide policy discourse at the IPHRC level.

Pakistan’s re-election to the IPHRC is more than just a diplomatic triumph.

It is a sign to the world that Pakistan continues to believe in moral leadership, in international solidarity and in standing up for Muslim people and their dignity and rights wherever they are. It is a space where the voices of the poor and weak can be heard, and where mighty powers cannot so easily set the agenda. With the nomination of Riffat Masood, and with the confidence of the OIC behind it, Pakistan has now the chance to convert its foreign policy aphorisms into powerful multilateral practice. The time cannot be wasted. When Muslim identity is being attacked in India, Gaza and Myanmar, and economic disparity denies rights to millions of individuals, the IPHRC cannot remain a spectator.