ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community on Friday to exert pressure on Israel to halt its oppression of the Palestinian people in Gaza. On the occasion of Al-Quds Day, PM Shehbaz underscored Pakistan’s continuous moral and diplomatic backing for Palestine until their liberation from Zionist occupation, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as per pre-1967 borders.
He noted the decades-long illegal occupation of Palestine and Jerusalem by Israel, highlighting continual breaches of international laws and human rights by the settler-colonial state, all while the international community largely remained a ‘silent spectator.’
The premier stated that since last October, “32,000 Palestinians, including 17,000 children, have fallen victim to violence in Gaza, with 70,000 more injured”.
“The deliberate targeting of hospitals, refugee camps, and schools has been observed,” remarked the prime minister, denouncing Israel’s disregard for the UN Security Council’s ceasefire resolution.
The PM urged Muslims in Pakistan and worldwide, who are observing the final Friday of Ramazan, to offer special prayers for their Palestinian and Kashmiri brethren who are facing difficulties.
He also encouraged the nation to pray for peace, security, and prosperity in Pakistan and to seek relief from economic challenges.
On March 25, Pakistan welcomed the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution which called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during the holy month of Ramazan.
According to the press release issued by the Foreign Office hours after the UNSC decision, Pakistan pledged to continue supporting a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution by advocating for the establishment of a secure, viable, contiguous, and sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. –Agencies
