- Premier Shebaz assures JI chief govt in contact with friendly countries, global bodies for release of detained Pakistanis
- Says Islamabad neither recognises Israel nor maintains diplomatic ties with it, urging urgent ceasefire in Gaza
- Reiterates demand for Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds as capital
- Assures in telephonic conversation Hafiz Naeem govt will also continue active role in highlighting Kashmir issue
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed that the government was actively pursuing diplomatic channels for the safe return of Pakistanis detained by Israeli forces from the Global Sumud Flotilla, particularly former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, while stressing that Pakistan’s stance on the Palestine issue remains “firm, unambiguous, and unwavering.”
The premier was speaking during a telephonic conversation with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on the situation in the Middle East and efforts for a ceasefire in Palestine. He said Pakistan was in constant contact with friendly countries and international organisations to secure the release and safe repatriation of its citizens.
PM Shehbaz underscored that Pakistan does not recognise Israel nor maintains diplomatic relations with it. “The Pakistanis detained from the Global Sumud Flotilla will be safely brought back home at the earliest,” he assured.
The Prime Minister also called for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza to end what he described as the “ongoing massacre of innocent Palestinians.” He emphasised that Pakistan has always supported the Palestinian cause at every international forum and will continue to advocate for their rights.
Reiterating Islamabad’s longstanding position, he said Pakistan firmly backs the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The premier highlighted that eight Muslim countries were actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire, expressing hope that these efforts would “soon bear fruit, bringing peace and realising the long-standing dream of an independent Palestine.”
During the discussion, the prime minister also drew attention to Pakistan’s consistent record of humanitarian support for Palestinians. He said Islamabad had raised its voice against Israel’s actions at the United Nations and other forums, urging the international community to act decisively.
The conversation also touched upon the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister assured the JI chief that the federal government would continue to play its role in highlighting the plight of Kashmiris and promoting peace in the region.
Reiterating Pakistan’s dual commitment, Premier Shehbaz said the government would “stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the oppressed people of Palestine and Kashmir,” and continue efforts for their just causes at diplomatic, political, and humanitarian levels.
