POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the country's commitment to supporting Palestine's right to self-determination and freedom. The United Nations General Assembly has observed November 29 as a day to stand in solidarity with Palestinians since 1977. This year marks the second anniversary of this observance under the shadow of Israel’s devastating military campaign on Gaza, which has claimed over 44,300 Palestinian lives and left tens of thousands more injured.
President Zardari strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing aggression and called for an immediate end to what he termed as the “genocide of Palestinian people.” He highlighted the importance of the global conscience in acknowledging the hardships faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation. "We believe that the continued occupation and disregard for international law is the biggest obstacle to achieving peace in the region," he emphasized.
The president reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, stressing that the country would continue to advocate for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination. He condemned Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law and stressed the need for a lasting and just solution to the conflict.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his solidarity with the Palestinian people, noting that they had endured a campaign of “unending genocidal violence.” His statement acknowledged the severe toll Israel's military actions have taken on Palestinian civilians, particularly in Gaza.
On this solemn day, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his support for Palestinians, expressing the UN's ongoing commitment to advocating for peace, security, and dignity for all Palestinian people.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, reiterated the country’s “unwavering solidarity and support” for Palestinians and emphasized the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state. She also welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, urging all parties to uphold United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for an end to hostilities in the region.
Senator Sherry Rehman from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) also took to social media, describing the situation as particularly painful, given the ongoing persecution of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. She condemned Israel for denying Gaza’s people both ceasefire and humanitarian assistance, calling for more than just words in support of the Palestinians.
Pakistan remains resolute in its commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for the creation of a sovereign and independent state of Palestine within the framework of international law.