ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, on Sunday strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing airstrikes on Gaza and the subsequent siege of the territory, equating Israeli actions to genocide against the Palestinian people.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Jalil Abbas Jilani underlined Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine, urging the international community to recognize the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Caretaker FM @JalilJilani has demanded of Israel to respect international law & UNSC resolutions on Palestine, recognizing Palestinians' right to self-determination@PakPMO @ForeignOfficePk @MoIB_Official @CathayPakhttps://t.co/Kshj1bTiBC pic.twitter.com/YvqEHFhcmt
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) October 15, 2023
Jilani noted that Israel’s aggression had resulted in the loss of innocent lives, mostly women and children, and stressed the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. He expressed Pakistan’s dismay at the blockade imposed on Gaza, highlighting the lack of access to essential resources such as food, water, and healthcare facilities. The minister stressed that these conditions amounted to genocide. He maintained that Pakistan stood firmly against Israeli atrocities.
The Foreign Minister announced Pakistan’s participation in an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s executive committee scheduled in Jeddah on October 18, Wednesday. “Certainly, Palestine is a very, very, important issue for us. We will certainly discuss the ongoing situation. There is absolutely no doubt that Israel has committed aggression. They have conducted airstrikes on the civilian population which has resulted in the death of several innocent Palestinian civilians,” the minister said.
Pakistan Asks Israel to Respect Palestinians’ Right to Self-Determination
Jilani reiterated Pakistan’s demand for Israel to respect United Nations resolutions recognizing the Palestinians’ right to self-determination. He called for the establishment of Palestine as a separate state within the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Responding to questions from reporters, Jilani confirmed that Pakistan was actively engaged with UN agencies and international organizations to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. Despite these efforts, Israel’s blockade was hindering the delivery of essential assistance. He stated that Pakistan, along with OIC member countries and the international community, would vigorously advocate for the prompt provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine.
Jilani also emphasized that Pakistan’s stance on Israel remained unchanged until the Palestinians were granted their right to self-determination.
Regarding, Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar’s upcoming visit to China for the third Belt and Road Forum, the Foreign Minister highlighted the significance of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries and reviewing projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Caretaker FM @JalilJilani said PM @anwaar_kakar will have bilateral meetings with Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang & other leading personalities during his China visit@ForeignOfficePk @MoIB_Official @CathayPakhttps://t.co/Kshj1bTiBC pic.twitter.com/zzDpHrJxSk
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) October 15, 2023
The Foreign Minister said that PM Kakar would also hold bilateral meetings with the Chinese leadership, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinses Prime Minister Li Qiang. Further, PM Kakar would also hold meeting with the “participating global leaders” that would be attending the BRI forum the details of which would be released once they were finalised, Jilani said.
The minister said that the Prime Minister would also be meeting top Chinese businessmen to “discuss the kind of cooperation that can be forged”. He said that a number of MoUs (memorandums of understanding) and agreements would also be signed during the visit.
