ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed the growing number of countries recognising the State of Palestine, calling it a victory for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and a vital step towards lasting peace in the Middle East.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a post on X, praised the announcements made by France, the United Kingdom, Canada and others, urging more states to follow suit in line with international law.
He emphasised that recognition of Palestine within a two-state solution framework remains essential to achieving a just, comprehensive and durable peace in the region.
In a statement, the Foreign Office confirmed that Dar had represented Pakistan at a high-level meeting on Palestine co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France in New York. The spokesperson said the growing international momentum for Palestinian statehood had amplified the importance of the meeting.
At its conclusion, Pakistan formally expressed full support for the “New York Declaration,” which sets out a roadmap for addressing the Palestinian issue. The FO noted that Islamabad’s endorsement of the declaration reflects its longstanding commitment to the Palestinian cause and to a fair and sustainable peace process.
Pakistan also recalled that it was among the first countries to recognise Palestine in 1988 and has consistently advocated for Palestine’s admission as a full member state at the United Nations.
At the same conference, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed France’s recognition of Palestine, calling the gathering a historic opportunity for peace. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also addressed the meeting, appealing to the international community to support the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
He praised the countries that have extended recognition and commended Riyadh and Paris for spearheading the global push in support of Palestine.
