H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the OIC,
Esteemed Foreign Ministers,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset, I convey Pakistan’s profound appreciation to you, Mr. Secretary-General, for convening this historic commemorative high-level event. The 1,500^th anniversary of the blessed birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon Him) is not merely a moment of remembrance — it is an opportunity for humanity to reflect upon the timeless values of peace, justice and compassion taught by our beloved Prophet.

Excellencies,

2. The advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) was a transformative epoch in human history. He was Rahmat-ul-lil-‘Alameen — a mercy unto all creation. The Quran says in Surat Al-Anbya, verse 107:

وَ مَاۤ اَرْسَلْنٰكَ اِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعٰلَمِیْنَ 

"And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds."

His Seerah illuminated the path of Adl, justice; Ihsan, compassion; Shura, consultation; Tasamuh, tolerance; and Sulh, peaceful settlement of disputes. These noble ideals resonate deeply with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

3. The Prophet’s life provides universal lessons. The Charter of Medina institutionalized pluralism, ensuring equality before the law and protection of minorities. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah demonstrated strategic foresight in preferring dialogue over conflict. The peaceful conquest of Makkah reflected unparalleled forgiveness — where those who had persecuted him were granted amnesty. Even in warfare, the Prophet (PBUH) forbade harm to women, children, the elderly, places of worship, and the natural environment — laying the very foundations of modern international humanitarian law. In Sura Anfal verse 61, the Quran says:

وَ اِنْ جَنَحُوْا لِلسَّلْمِ فَاجْنَحْ لَهَا وَ تَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّٰهِؕ-اِنَّهٗ هُوَ السَّمِیْعُ الْعَلِیْمُ

"But if they (your enemies) incline towards peace, then incline towards it, and put your trust in Allah. He is the Hearer, the Knower."

Excellencies,

4. As we celebrate this luminous legacy, we cannot turn away from the grave challenges facing our Ummah – from Palestine to Kashmir, from North Africa to the Sahel and beyond. Far too many Muslims are being denied their inalienable rights — to self-determination, to freedom, to dignity. Far too many face the scourge of Islamophobia. The desecration of the Holy Qur’an, attacks on mosques, and discrimination against Muslim minorities are on the rise. And we must do more to bring an end to fratricide that has often weakened and divided us.
5. The Prophet (PBUH) taught us that injustice anywhere corrodes peace everywhere. He said:

إِيَّاكُمْ وَالظُّلْمَ فَإِنَّ الظُّلْمَ ظُلُمَاتٌ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَ

"Beware of injustice, for indeed injustice will be darkness on the Day of Judgment."

We must intensify our collective efforts to halt atrocities being endured by Muslims worldwide.

Excellencies,

6. In honoring the Prophet’s 1,500^th birth anniversary, the OIC and the United Nations must strengthen their partnership to advance a culture of peace, tolerance, and solidarity. This means:

• Promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue;
• Protecting sacred sites and religious symbols;
• Countering terrorism and violent extremism in all forms;
• Mobilizing humanitarian solidarity, including through Zakat and Waqf; and
• Empowering women and youth in education, science, technology, and peacebuilding.

Excellencies,

7. Let this commemoration not just be symbolic. Let it inspire practical action — to translate the Prophet’s message of mercy, compassion, and justice into global policies that uphold dignity, equality, and mutual respect. Let us, together, strive for a world order that truly reflects his legacy.
8. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to these noble objectives and stands ready to work with OIC members and the wider international community in this sacred endeavor.

I thank you.

Islamabad

23 September 2025