Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday strongly condemned what he termed Israel’s aggression and the “massacre of innocent civilians,” urging all Muslim countries to raise a collective voice for Palestine, calling it a matter of conscience for the entire Ummah.
These views were expressed during a meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador in Islamabad, which centered on bilateral relations, post-ceasefire peace initiatives, and humanitarian aid. The Chairman warmly welcomed the envoy, reaffirming that Pakistan’s people and Parliament stand in complete solidarity with the Palestinian populace.
Mr. Gilani paid rich tribute to the courage and resilience of the Palestinian people, noting their unmatched bravery has written a new chapter in history. He described the recent ceasefire as a “new ray of hope” and an important step toward achieving lasting tranquility in the region.
Reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing position, the Chairman emphasized unwavering backing for the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, consistent with relevant UN resolutions and based on pre-1967 borders. He noted that sustainable peace in the Middle East is intrinsically linked to the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
The Chairman recalled his tenure as Prime Minister, during which he consistently extended support for Palestine and voiced concerns against Israeli atrocities on all international platforms. He informed the ambassador that Pakistan remains a strong advocate for the Palestinian cause at the United Nations, OIC, Inter-Parliamentary Union, and the Non-Aligned Movement.
The Palestinian Ambassador acknowledged Pakistan’s significant assistance for the people of Gaza. He also highlighted that Pakistani universities are providing valuable higher education opportunities to Palestinian students, strengthening the brotherly ties between the two nations.
Mr. Gilani concluded by reaffirming that Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its Palestinian brothers, extending all necessary political, diplomatic, moral, and humanitarian support until their just cause is realized.