Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan issued a formal statement on Tuesday condemning the recent storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and termed the raising of an Israeli flag within the holy site’s courtyard as “reprehensible.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that these actions constitute a blatant violation of international law, noting that such provocative acts compromise the sanctity and inviolability of the historic religious site.
According to reports, illegal settlers forced their way into the compound through the Mughrabi Gate under heavy police protection. This incident has sparked immediate international criticism regarding the security of the holy site.
Videos circulating on social media show people performing Talmudic rituals and prayers inside the courtyard. The unauthorized display of the Israeli flag near the Dome of the Rock further flared sentiments.
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Pakistan Condemns Violation of Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 21, 2026
Pakistan urged the international community to take decisive measures to protect holy sites under occupation. The statement explicitly called for an end to the impunity currently enjoyed by illegal settlers.
Foreign Office statement warned that these provocative steps risk further destabilizing the Middle East. The frequent invasions into the Al-Aqsa compound are viewed as a direct challenge to the status quo of the holy site.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque serves as the third-holiest site for Muslims worldwide. Jewish tradition refers to the area as the Temple Mount, claiming it as the site of ancient temples.
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Ongoing incursions, including those led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in recent years, have significantly enhanced resistance in the area.
Pakistan maintains that Palestinians have a fundamental right to worship in the mosque without intimidation or restriction. The Foreign Office reiterated its call for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine.
The proposed state would be based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Islamabad maintains that ensuring the protection of religious sites is a global responsibility.
Muhammad Usman Hashmi is a researcher in International Relations, focusing on climate diplomacy, global governance, and political economy in the Global South. He has contributed to policy dialogues with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the International Council on Human Rights, Peace and Politics. He is also associated with Rethinking Economics Islamabad, contributing to research on development and sustainability.
