By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser on Tuesday said that the people of Pakistan are committed to liberation of Palestine and their hearts beat with their Palestinian brothers.
He said that Pakistan and Palestine were tied in eternal bonds of religion, history and culture. He said that Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and turning them into Israeli settlements which were historically part of Palestine. He expressed these views while talking to Palestinian Ambassador to Pakistan Ahmed Jawad Rabi during a meeting in Parliament House.
The Speaker and the Ambassador discussed the current situation in Palestine and Kashmir, issues facing Ummah and other issues of mutual interest. He said that Pakistan had not recognized Israel and will continue raising its voice against the Israeli atrocities in Palestine on all international and regional forums.
He said that Palestinian liberation was an indigenous movement and international community should assert its pressure on Israel to accept the just demand and vacate the occupied territory. The Speaker said that Pakistan believes in settlement of all disputes through negotiations and will continue to provide moral, diplomatic support to the Palestinian people. He also apprised the Ambassador about latest situation in Kashmir and asked for extending support at international forum.
The Speaker said that the Pakistan believes in the Muslim unity and is playing its due role in the achievement of the objective. He added that Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted the issues faced by the Muslim Ummah in his address to the UN General Assembly. He said that the government under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan was working to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state.
Palestinian Ambassador Ahmad Jawad Rabi appreciated the solidarity and goodwill for Palestine, saying that Palestine considers Pakistan a brother and trusted friend and appreciates its close relations with Pakistan. He said that the Palestinians consider Pakistan as their home and are grateful to the Pakistani people for their unwavering support for the freedom movement.
He said that Pakistan is the most important country in the Islamic world and its role is commendable for the unity of the Muslim community. He said that unity and solidarity between Muslim countries is essential for resolving disputes and problems faced by the Muslim Ummah.
He expressed his gratitude for giving educational opportunities to more than 50,000 Palestinian students who graduated from Pakistani universities and were contributing to the development of Palestine. He suggested for enhancing parliamentary interaction between both the countries.
