ISLAMABAD: Pakistan expressed its deep disappointment with the outcome of the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) yesterday emergency meeting and urged for an immediate end to the bombardment and inhumane blockade in Gaza.
The Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, in her weekly press briefing, conveyed Pakistan’s national disappointment with the UNSC debate, stating, “The Security Council should fulfill its designated role to end the bombardment and blockade, which is leading to a humanitarian catastrophe.”
This statement was in reference to the United States’ use of its veto power at the UNSC to block a resolution, aimed to pressure Israel into permitting humanitarian corridors to Gaza, implement a temporary ceasefire, and lift the directive instructing civilians to evacuate the northern areas of the besieged region.
China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates had convened the meeting to address the deteriorating situation in Gaza. The resolution, sponsored by Brazil, garnered broad support and sought to condemn all forms of violence against civilians. The vote in the 15-member Council resulted in 12 votes in favor, one against (the United States), and Russia and China abstaining.
Pakistan Urges De-Escalation, Ceasefire in Gaza
Pakistan emphasized its commitment to de-escalation and called for a ceasefire and an end to hostilities, urging the international community to collaborate in the pursuit of peace.
Responding to a query about whether Pakistan had intentions to send troops to Palestine under any mandate, with the objective of maintaining peace rather than engaging in hostilities with Israel, the spokesperson stated that Pakistan had no such plan. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s peaceful posture and its consistent pursuit of dialogue for conflict resolution.
The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza, particularly the recent attack on a hospital. She highlighted that such deliberate attacks on civilians constitute war crimes.
Mumtaz Baloch informed the media that a chartered plane carrying 100 tons of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, tents, and blankets, was scheduled to depart for Egypt on the same day. From there, the aid would be transported to Gaza to assist the suffering Palestinian population.
She also mentioned that a briefing session had been conducted for the diplomatic corps regarding the repatriation of illegal foreign nationals from Pakistan. Pakistan has established an institutional mechanism to prevent harassment incidents and set up a helpline to address complaints.
When asked about the extension of the October 31st deadline, she stated that the government had the authority to make such decisions.
Regarding the OIC ministerial meeting on the Gaza issue held in Jeddah, Mumtaz Baloch noted that the joint communique reflected a consensus among member countries.
🔴LIVE: Spokesperson's Weekly Press Briefing 19-10-23 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad https://t.co/cwak831G5V
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Pakistan PM visit to China
Speaking about Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s ongoing visit to China for the Third Belt and Road Forum, she highlighted its significance in celebrating the decade of CPEC. The visit encompassed participation in the forum, meetings with Chinese leadership and other attending leaders, as well as interactions with think tanks and media.
During the visit, Pakistan and China signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) related to connectivity and communication projects, including ML-1, food security and research, industrial cooperation, and climate change.
She further noted that the prime minister was scheduled to travel to Urumqi to meet the party secretary, influential corporate executives, and deliver a speech at Xinjiang University before returning to Pakistan on Friday.
Regarding the situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesperson highlighted the forced closure of Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid last Friday and the recent house arrest of Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who had been released after four years of house arrest. Pakistan pledged its continued support to its Kashmiri brothers and sisters until the UN Security Council Resolutions are implemented.
