Pakistan was not only “deeply concerned” by the escalating hostility in the Middle East and the loss of innocent lives, but also stood in solidarity with Palestinians.
This was stated by Caretaker Foreign Minister of Pakistan Jalil Abbas Jilani following an escalation in a conflict between Hamas and Israel which had claimed hundreds of lives.
In a post on X formerly Twitter, the foreign minister called for an “immediate end” to the violence and oppression by Israeli occupation forces.
“A viable and sovereign State of Palestine must be established on the basis of pre-1967 borders and UN resolutions. The international community needs to intervene to bring an end to the conflict, protect civilians, and work towards a lasting peace in the Middle East,” he added.
Earlier, the Foreign Office also issued a news statement expressing concern about the “human cost” of the escalating situation in the Middle East.
“We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between Israel and Palestinians. We are concerned about the human cost of the escalating situation,” said the FO in a statement.
It said Pakistan had consistently advocated for a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the Middle East, with a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions.
“A viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine should be established on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” the FO demanded.
Pakistan urged the international community to come together for cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and for a lasting peace in the Middle East.
President Dr Arif Alvi also urged the international community to work for a “long-standing peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and international law”.
President Alvi advised exercising maximum restraint to prevent further bloodshed and loss of human life, saying: “I am very concerned about the escalation of tensions between Palestine and Israel.”
Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Alvi said, “The conflict between Palestine and Israel will further increase the hardships of the people.”
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East, stressing the need to address the “Palestine Question”.
“Heartbroken by the escalating violence in the Middle East, which underscores the urgent need to address the Palestine Question. We urge restraint and protection of civilians. Enduring peace in the Middle East lies in a two-state solution with a viable, contiguous, sovereign State of Palestine, founded on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif at its heart,” the premier said in a post on social media platform X.
