KEY POINTS
- Pakistan expresses concern about Israeli aggression against Syria.
- Foreign Ministry announces the safe return of Pakistanis from Syria.
- Pakistan condemns the killing of the Afghan interim minister.
- UNGA resolution for immediate ceasefire in Gaza welcomed.
- India urged to end the suppression of the rights and freedoms of Kashmiri people.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday condemned Israeli aggression against Syria and its illegal seizure of the Syrian territory and urged respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at her weekly press briefing on Thursday said that Pakistan is deeply concerned about Israeli aggression against Syria, its illegal seizure of Syrian territory, and the widespread destruction of Syrian infrastructure and civilian and military installations.
“This assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria is a grave breach of international law,” she said.
The spokesperson said Pakistan has always supported efforts aimed at finding a comprehensive solution to the crisis in Syria adding any solutions to the situation should correspond to the aspirations of the Syrian people for their security, stability, and development.
“It is the right of the people of Syria to determine their own future and make decisions about their destiny,” she said.
The diplomat said Pakistan supports efforts for an inclusive political process, envisioned under resolution 2254, which was unanimously approved by the UN Security Council.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the UN Security Council Resolution 497, which declares Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights “null and void and without international legal effect.”
Repatriation of stranded Pakistanis from Syria
Regarding the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis from Syria, the spokesperson said that the foreign ministry and Pakistan’s missions in Syria and Lebanon remained actively engaged in facilitating the process.
She said Around 475 Pakistanis including around 250 pilgrims have crossed the Syrian border into Lebanon. They will be transferred from Beirut to Islamabad. “We appreciate the support extended by the Government of Lebanon in facilitating the safe return of the stranded Pakistani nationals from Syria,” she said.
Pakistan Expresses Shocked at Killing of Afghan Minister
The official about Wednesday’s terror attack in Kabul killing an Afghan interim minister, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had expressed “shock” at the incident as “any terror activity with whatsoever motive, shall be condemned and Pakistan has unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
“In our engagement with the Afghan authorities, we were seeking details about the circumstances of this event,” she added.
“The terror groups that found hideouts in Afghanistan and operating against Pakistan remain a serious concern for Pakistan. This issue is on the agenda between Pakistan and Afghanistan. We have always emphasised dialogue to resolve the issues, and we hope that we will be able to ensure that these terror groups do not pose a threat to Pakistan’s security,” the spokesperson remarked.
Pakistan Welcomes UNGA Resolution
She said Pakistan welcomes the UNGA resolution demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, and the removal of restrictions against UNRWA in its aid operations in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
“We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Palestine; end to genocide in Gaza; protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure; unrestricted humanitarian access to those in urgent need, full support to UNRWA and its mandated humanitarian activities and healthcare to those in urgent need,” she said.
The spokesperson urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity in occupied territories.
Pakistan Urges India to End Suppression of Kashmiri People
The official expressing solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir urged India to end the suppression of the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people who shall be able to exercise their right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
“Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions,” she said.
To a question, she said Pakistan will be participating in the D8 summit being held in Cairo on December 19, 2024.
“The D8 Summit will also have a special session on humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon. As a founding member of D8, Pakistan supports the agenda of D8 and will work for the success of this Summit,” she said.
