Islamabad (TDI): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, as the nation joined the global community in marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The day has been observed annually on November 29 since the United Nations General Assembly established it in 1977, recognising the continuing struggle of Palestinians living under occupation.
In their messages, both leaders reiterated Pakistan’s historic and principled stance on the Palestinian question and called for renewed global efforts to end the humanitarian catastrophe caused by Israel’s ongoing aggression.
President Zardari said Pakistan would continue to provide political, diplomatic, humanitarian and moral support to the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Paying tribute to the “valiant and resilient” Palestinian people, the president said their struggle had written “a new chapter in history” despite enormous challenges.
He noted that Pakistan’s support for Palestine pre-dates its own creation, recalling that the Lahore Resolution of 1940 included a pledge of solidarity with the people of Palestine.
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President Zardari said Pakistan had consistently condemned Israeli atrocities in Gaza and demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, civilian protection and accountability for war crimes.
He said Pakistan continues to raise its voice across all international forums, including the UN, OIC, ICJ and NAM, and had played a constructive role in the Gaza Peace Deal.
“May the resilience of the Palestinian people inspire the conscience of the world,” he said, expressing his desire to offer prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque “beside my Palestinian brethren one day, Inshallah.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the people and government of Pakistan stand firmly with Palestinians “with unwavering resolve and commitment”.
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He drew attention to the brutal violence inflicted on Gaza, where “more than 70,000 people, including children, women and men, have been martyred” and entire neighbourhoods obliterated.
He said the world must ensure full and credible accountability for the war crimes and genocidal acts committed by Israel, in accordance with international law.
