President, PM reaffirm strong support for Palestine on Nakba Day, demand end to occupation

• Leaders call Nakba Day not history but an ongoing humanitarian tragedy, reiterating unwavering solidarity with Palestinian people

• Reiterate demand for immediate end to occupation and violence, calling for sovereign Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds as capital

• Urge global community to ensure ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza, regretting right of return under UN Resolution 194 still unfulfilled

  ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday, marking Nakba Day, said the occasion was not a closed chapter of history but a continuing reality defined by occupation, displacement, dispossession and denial of fundamental rights, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination, freedom and dignity.

Both leaders reiterated that Pakistan had consistently stood by the Palestinian cause and continued to raise its voice for their legitimate and inalienable rights at the United Nations and other international forums.

In a message posted on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan reaffirmed its resolute support for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

As our Palestinian brethren mark the 78th solemn anniversary of Nakba, we remember the enduring suffering and displacement of the Palestinians from their homeland since 1948. On this solemn occasion, Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 16, 2026

He said the 78th anniversary of Nakba was a reminder of the enduring suffering and forced displacement of Palestinians since 1948.

“On this solemn occasion, Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We demand an immediate end to the oppression, occupation, and violence being perpetrated by Israeli occupation authorities against Palestinians,” he added.

‘Nakba Day as a solemn reminder of the 1948 events’

In a separate message, President Zardari described Nakba Day as a solemn reminder of the 1948 events that led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes and lands, causing prolonged suffering.

A statement issued by the President Secretariat Media Wing said the president noted that Pakistan’s position was guided by the principles of justice, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people on International Nakba Day, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian access and fulfilment of the legitimate rights of Palestinians.

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 16, 2026

He called on the international community to ensure continued support for the Palestinian people, particularly refugees, stressing that the Right of Return under Resolution 194 remains unfulfilled and must be upheld.

President Zardari also reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate, unconditional and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian assistance, and accountability for ongoing violations.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

He urged the international community to uphold international law and work collectively towards a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue, reiterating that Pakistan would continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people until their inalienable rights, including self-determination and statehood, are realised.