Islamabad: Pakistan called for holding Israel accountable for its inhumane actions in Gaza and the UN Security Council to take immediate and effective action to impose a ceasefire and lift the inhumane siege against Gaza.
Pakistan’s Foreign office expressed concern about the ongoing massacre and starvation of the people of Gaza in blatant disregard of international humanitarian law.
FO’s spokesperson in a weekly briefing strongly condemned the attack by Israel forces on the Al-Shifa hospital, one of the last remaining and partially-operational healthcare facility in the northern Gaza.
FO spokesperson said that in this merciless attack, nearly a hundred displaced Palestinians, including women and children seeking shelter in the hospital from Israel’s barbaric assault, were reportedly massacred within the already partially destroyed hospital.
“Deliberate attack against civilian targets constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel’s war on hospitals and the ongoing atrocities go against the spirit of the provisional measures decided by the International Court of Justice to protect the people of Gaza,” spokesperson said.
FO spokesperson said that in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the Indian authorities have embarked upon a campaign to outlaw different Kashmiri political parties. So far, fourteen such outfits have been banned under a counterterrorism law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
This long list includes Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu & Kashmir, Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarrat Alam faction), Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front, Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu & Kashmir, Dukhtaraan-e-Millat, Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, Jammu & Kashmir National Front, Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Freedom League, two factions of Muslim Conference Jammu & Kashmir, and four factions of Jammu and Kashmir People’s League.
Most of these parties have been declared ‘unlawful associations’ during last three months.
Banning of political parties is part of India’s relentless campaign to subjugate the Kashmiri people, suppress dissent, and consolidate its occupation of IIOJK. These actions blatantly violate democratic norms and international human rights and humanitarian law. India cannot suppress the desire and drive of the Kashmiri people for realization of their right to self-determination, FO spokesperson said.
“We urge India to remove the ban on all outlawed political parties, and respect the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people.”
“Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.”
FO spokesperson said that Pakistan on March 18 carried out intelligence-based anti-terrorist operations in the border regions inside Afghanistan. The prime target of the operation was terrorists belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, which along with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan has been responsible for multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.
“The operation of 18 March 2024 was not targeted against the people, institutions or the military of Afghanistan, FO spokesperson said. “We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and look forward to working together to find joint solutions in countering terrorism and preventing any terrorist organization from sabotaging bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
Foreign office spokesperson said that Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar was on his first foreign visit. He is in Brussels today, to attend the first Nuclear Energy Summit.
The inaugural Nuclear Energy Summit brings together countries utilizing nuclear energy and provides a platform for international collaboration in the domain of nuclear energy.
At the Summit, Foreign Minister Dar will emphasize the importance of energy security and the need for clean, cost-effective solutions amid rising demands and climate concerns. He will highlight Pakistan’s extensive experience in operating nuclear power plants and its commitment to safety, waste management, and non-proliferation.
The Foreign Minister will call for increased cooperation and support for nuclear energy development, including access to technology, financing, and enhanced IAEA technical assistance for developing countries. In Brussels, the Foreign Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders and Foreign Ministers of participating countries, FO spokesperson said.
