ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government on Friday said that it will hold an all-parties conference on Palestine on October 7, commemorating one year since the start of Israel’s ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The decision has been taken after the premier met with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman at the Prime Minister’s House today to discuss the situation in Palestine and Gaza.
The decision received a positive response from key coalition partner PPP.
Pakistan has condemned the violence in Gaza at various international forums, highlighting the loss of over 41,802 Palestinian lives, primarily women and children, while calling for an immediate ceasefire and accountability for Israel’s “war crimes.” Since its independence in 1947, Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, has consistently supported the Palestinian cause.
All-parties conferences have historically been convened in Pakistan to address significant issues, urging political leaders to put aside their differences and demonstrate national unity.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, expressed his approval of the government’s decision in a social media post. He stated, “I welcome the Government’s decision for the President and Prime Minister to host an all-parties conference on Palestine on October 7. One year since occupation forces began their ruthless massacre in Gaza, the war theater has expanded to include Lebanon and threatens to engulf the entire region. The whole country must speak with one voice against the imperialist Zionist agenda.”
According to media reports, the October 7 will be observed as Palestine Solidarity Day, marking the anniversary of the latest wave of atrocities committed against the Palestinian people.
A committee was also formed to oversee the arrangements for the solidarity day and the APC. The committee includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Khawaja Saad Rafique, and Nayyar Bukhari.
