By Staff Report
ISLAMABADL Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, focusing on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, the two ministers specifically discussed the dire situation in Gaza and the plight of the Palestinian people.
Ishaq Dar strongly condemned any attempt to displace the people of Gaza, terming it deeply concerning and unjust. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance that Palestinian land rightfully belongs to the Palestinian people. He emphasised that the two-state solution, as per UN Security Council resolutions, remains the only viable and just option. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Aqdas Al-Sharif as its capital.
The Foreign Minister also expressed Pakistan’s support for convening an extraordinary meeting of the OIC Foreign Ministers to deliberate on the worsening situation. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination in the coming days regarding these developments.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired an inter-ministerial meeting to review the preparation for the second round of Pak-Qatar bilateral political consultations scheduled to be held in Doha. Ishaq Dar was briefed about Pak-Qatar bilateral relations and the status of various initiatives in various fields. The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that preparations should be made for substantive, productive and result oriented discussions in Doha.
Earlier, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar says Qatar has pledged to invest $3 billion in Pakistan.
He revealed it while briefing media about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The minister said Qatar and Pakistan had agreed to enhance cooperation in diverse sectors, including trade, investment, culture and economy. He said that the investment of $3 billion will further boost the national economy.
Tarar said an exhibition about Pakistani art and architecture was held during prime minister’s visit to Doha, which is a significant development in Pakistan-Qatar relationship. He said the premier thanked Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his cooperation and support for Pakistan.
He congratulated the whole nation on the foreign policy and economic achievements made by Pakistan under the leadership of the prime minister who charted the country on path of economic progress.
