ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Friday reiterated its call on the international community for an immediate end to Israel’s genocide campaign, and to ensure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
At his weekly media briefing, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shafqat Ali Khan, condemned the continued Israeli aggression in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, as well as deliberate targeting of hospitals and other critical infrastructure, along with mass evacuation orders.
It is pertinent to mention that Israel imposed a total blockade of the war-torn Palestinian territory in March, cutting off the entry of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies. The move triggered a deepening humanitarian crisis, with aid agencies warning of widespread malnutrition and a looming famine, particularly among children.
The blockade has drawn international condemnation, with the United Nations and human rights groups urging its immediate lifting on legal and humanitarian grounds. While Israel permitted limited aid deliveries this month, UN officials described the efforts as “a drop in the ocean” for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.
“The expansion of Israeli ground operations in Gaza, as well as its announcement to take control of all of Gaza, poses a grave threat to efforts aimed toward achieving peace and stability in the region,” the foreign office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, said.
He also urged concrete steps toward the provision of unimpeded humanitarian supplies to millions of Palestinians in dire need, as well as to hold Israel accountable for its egregious crimes.
He said Pakistan reiterates its unequivocal opposition to any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their ancestral lands, expand illegal Israeli settlements, or annex any part of the occupied Palestinian territory.
India must refrain from provocative rhetoric
Shafqat Ali Khan, said that at a time of heightened tensions in the region, it is highly imprudent to indulge in this kind of rhetoric, which is inflammatory and provocative.
He said Pakistan has cautioned India on repeated occasions to desist from this.
Pakistan committed to ceasefire
Regarding the ceasefire understanding with India, the Spokesperson said Pakistan remains committed to the ceasefire announced on the 10th of this month.
He said both sides have taken steps for de-escalation and the return of stability. However, he said, Pakistan has made it clear that it will respond in a befitting manner in case India takes any aggressive action against Pakistan once again.
He said Pakistan is committed to make this ceasefire continue to hold for de-escalation to succeed. But if this rhetoric poses any threat, Pakistan’s armed forces are ready to deal with any eventuality.
Kartarpur Corridor
Replying to a question regarding the Kartarpur Corridor, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said Pakistan has never closed the Kartarpur Corridor despite recent hostilities with India, but the Indian side is not allowing pilgrims to avail the Corridor facility since the 7th of this month. He said Pakistan is ready to welcome Indian pilgrims.
