ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reiterated its unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Palestinian cause on Monday, as political leaders gathered for an All Parties Conference (APC) in Islamabad to express solidarity with Palestinians.
The conference, hosted by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-i-Sadr, was attended by prominent leaders from major political parties, including Nawaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, and others.
Moreover, Aimal Wali Khan, Khalid Magsi, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Ijazul Haq, former caretaker prime minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, and Abdul Aleem Khan are also attending the conference.
In his opening address, President Zardari condemned the ongoing brutalities committed by Israeli forces in Palestine and Gaza. He warned that such actions would destabilize the region. He called on the international community to take urgent action against Israel’s aggression.
“The brutal actions of Israel will destroy the peace of the region.” He further said that over 41,000 Palestinians have been martyred in the past year due to Israeli attacks.
The APC, convened as part of Pakistan’s national observance of “Solidarity Day” with the Palestinian people, comes at a critical time as Palestinians in Gaza endure severe bombardment, starvation, and displacement due to Israeli airstrikes.
Throughout the country, rallies, seminars, and other events were held to highlight the plight of unarmed Palestinians under Israeli occupation.
In his Solidarity Day message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“Pakistan will continue to extend its moral, diplomatic, and political support to the unarmed Palestinian brothers and sisters who are facing unabated Israeli aggression and oppression,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister denounced Israel’s actions over the past year, emphasizing that its atrocities did not begin with the latest wave of violence but have persisted for decades.
“Israel is mocking the world powers, international institutions, Security Council resolutions, and the International Court of Justice,” he stated, adding that Israeli state terrorism is now threatening not only Gaza and Palestine but other nations in the region.
The Prime Minister expressed deep empathy with the Palestinian people, noting that the hearts of Pakistanis beat in solidarity with them. “Millions of Palestinians are bracing not only the indiscriminate bombardment but also starvation and thirst while Gaza lies in ruins,” he said, urging the world to act before the humanitarian crisis escalates further.
