Islamabad, October 17, 2026 (Nosheen): The 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has opened in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaydi inaugurating the meeting. Addressing the opening ceremony, the Iraqi premier praised Pakistan’s efforts to reduce regional tensions and said the Muslim world was facing growing challenges. He stressed the need for Muslim countries to strengthen joint efforts to address regional and global crises, adding that justice and the protection of the Palestinian people’s rights were essential for achieving peace and stability in the region. The meeting is expected to discuss regional peace and security, rising tensions and the challenges confronting Muslim countries. According to official sources, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, will not attend the session due to official engagements and other important commitments in Pakistan. Pakistan will instead be represented by its Permanent Representative to the OIC in Jeddah, Fawad Sher. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also arrived in Baghdad, while officials from Türkiye, Egypt and other Muslim countries are attending the meeting. The session is being held amid heightened regional tensions, with member states expected to discuss regional stability, ongoing diplomatic efforts and strategies to address emerging challenges. Participants will also review ways to strengthen cooperation among Muslim countries, resolve regional disputes and promote dialogue and diplomatic initiatives to ease tensions.