ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Palestinians in the Middle East.
The statement, released on Saturday, underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and a return to peaceful negotiations.
“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,” the statement read.
🔊: PR NO. 1️⃣9️⃣4️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣
Pakistan's concerns at the unfolding situation in the Middle East
🔗⬇️ https://t.co/K96VQ3djcl pic.twitter.com/vZYTQ9bZMc
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) October 7, 2023
Pakistan’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been consistent, advocating for a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the region. The foreign office emphasised the importance of a “just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) resolutions.”
‘ME violence underscores urgent need to address ‘Palestine Question’
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Saturday said that he was heartbroken by the escalating violence in the Middle East which underscored the urgent need for addressing ‘the Palestine Question’.
In a post on X, the prime minister said “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.”
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…
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) October 7, 2023
Pakistan’s position is that a viable, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine should be established on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital. This stance aligns with the international community’s efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.
The Foreign Office statement further urged the international community to come together to support the cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and the pursuit of a lasting peace in the Middle East. The call for immediate action reflects Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Statement on behalf of jailed Imran Khan on Palestinian resistance
Meanwhile, PTI issued a statement on behalf of its incarcerated Chairman Imran Khan on his X handle, saying Imran Khan has been and will always remain an advocate for the Palestinian cause. He has consistently maintained his stance that oppression, occupation, and peace cannot go hand in hand.
Chairman Imran Khan has been and will always remain an advocate for the Palestinian cause. He has consistently maintained his stance that oppression, occupation, and peace cannot go hand in hand.
From the first Nakba in 1948, to inhumane treatment and the siege of Gaza,…— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 7, 2023
“From the first Nakba in 1948, to inhumane treatment and the siege of Gaza, Palestinians have stood alone fighting for their right to peaceful existence”, it added.
“International community must intervene to stop the escalation to avoid further loss of precious lives. Also, these events should also serve as a reminder that we need a peaceful solution in accordance with the resolutions passed by the UN and OIC — a State of Palestine with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital”, the statement read.
