• FM demands ‘unconditional’ ceasefire in Gaza
• Calls for ensuring UNRWA continues its work, holding Israel accountable for war crimes
• PM Shehbaz heads to Riyadh, will address Arab-Islamic summit
ISLAMABAD / RIYADH: Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday expressed the hope that the incoming US administration would, on a priority basis, lend its weight to reinvigorate efforts for peace in the Middle East in accordance with the UN resolutions and international law.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is scheduled to address the Second Arab-Islamic Summit, left for Riyadh on Sunday.
Addressing the Council of Foreign Ministers Preparatory Meeting for the Second Arab-Islamic Summit on the Situation in Middle East, Mr Dar said mere condemnation of Israeli actions would not be enough.
Mr Dar, who is also foreign minister, urged the Muslim leadership to act now to fulfil the moral and legal duty to stand with the people of Palestine for their rights and demand justice for them.
“The whole Muslim Ummah is looking at us today. We need to demonstrate unwavering political will and complete unity and take concrete steps to effectively address the situation at hand.”
He called for securing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the region, ensuring unfettered humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians, forcing Israel to stop demonisation of UNRWA and urging the United Nations General Assembly to ensure UNRWA continues its vital operations.
The deputy PM also called for pursuing full implementation of the UNGA resolution ES-10/24, supporting Palestine’s admission as a full member of the UN and exploring legal avenues to hold Israel accountable for war crimes.
The resolution also calls for imposing an immediate arms embargo on Israel, undertaking a comprehensive review of Israel’s membership of the UN, and nominating a Joint Arab-Islamic Special Envoy on Middle East as a focal point to coordinate progress on the implementation of the resolutions adopted by the Summits.
He said the first Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh in November last year had made far-reaching decisions to end war in Gaza. However, he added, unfortunately, after more than a year, the situation in the Middle East had become worse.
“Israel has been contravening all international norms and laws with impunity. The Israeli occupying forces continue to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity against the innocent Palestinians,” he lamented.
“The reckless pursuit of a so-called greater Israel by encroaching upon the sovereignty of states beyond Palestine, is fraught with serious implications for regional peace and stability,” he warned, adding that Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s military strikes against the brotherly countries in blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law.
He regretted that the UN Security Council has remained ineffective, while calls by the General Assembly, OIC, and the International Court of Justice for a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid, and civilian protection were also utterly disregarded.
Congratulating Saudi Arabia for holding the inaugural meeting of the Global Alliance for Implementation of a Two-State Solution last month, Mr Dar assured that Pakistan would abide by its commitment to engage with the alliance to achieve its objectives.
He said Pakistan had always been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause.
“Since October last year, Pakistan has sent 12 consignments comprising humanitarian assistance for our Palestinian brethren. Besides, Palestinian students are being provided additional scholarships at various Pakistani educational facilities. Pakistan is also taking Palestinian medical students to complete their education in Pakistan’s medical institutions,” he added.
The foreign minister announced that Pakistan will continue to champion the rights of its Palestinian brethren until the creation of a viable, contiguous, and sovereign state of Palestine based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
He extended his appreciation to King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan for convening the crucial meeting for the preparation of the Summit tomorrow.
PM set to address
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday left for Saudi Arabia to attend the Summit that will focus on Israel’s aggression and brutalities in the Middle East.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, he is set to address the summit and engage in discussions on critical regional issues and reiterate Pakistan’s stance on the Palestine issue.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi are accompanying the premier.
The summit will focus on key issues in the Middle East.
Heads of state and government from member countries of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation are attending the extraordinary gathering.
The PM is also expected to advocate for enhanced multilateral cooperation within the OIC and Arab League frameworks to counter humanitarian crises and protect the rights of oppressed communities in the region.
He is also anticipated to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from Arab League and OIC member states. These interactions are expected to deepen Pakistan’s diplomatic partnerships within the Muslim world, exploring avenues for mutual cooperation on shared security and economic interests.
The world community is watching closely as Riyadh once again becomes the centre stage for pivotal discussions that hold far reaching implications for peace and stability in the Middle East.
By bringing together heads of state, diplomats, and officials from the Arab and Muslim worlds, the summit underscores the importance of multilateral engagement and Saudi Arabia’s instrumental role in addressing regional crises.
With input from APP
Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2024
