Pakistan is pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its nationals after their aid vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces, an act the government has condemned as an “unlawful” and blatant violation of international law. The development was revealed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar during a comprehensive briefing to the National Assembly on Friday regarding Pakistan’s diplomatic activities at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.
Addressing the House, Dar termed the Israeli action against the Global Sumud Flotilla a flagrant breach of international maritime law and humanitarian principles. He assured lawmakers that the government was actively working to ensure the safety and freedom of the Pakistanis on board.
The Foreign Minister’s address covered the breadth of Pakistan’s engagement at the UNGA, where he lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech for effectively communicating the nation’s principled positions on critical global challenges.
A central theme of Pakistan’s diplomacy was its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. Dar referenced a joint statement issued with seven Arab-Islamic nations in New York, which demanded unrestricted humanitarian assistance for Gaza and opposed the forced displacement of its people. The statement also called for a complete Israeli withdrawal and a credible pathway to a two-state solution.
The DPM articulated Pakistan’s long-standing position that a lasting peace in the Middle East is only possible through the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Beyond the Middle East, the briefing highlighted significant high-level discussions, including a meeting at the White House between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and U.S. President Donald J. Trump, which was also attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Dar described the talks as cordial, noting they encompassed cooperation on counterterrorism and American appreciation for Pakistan’s role in the May Pakistan-India ceasefire understanding. The leaders also explored opportunities to enhance trade and investment in sectors like agriculture, IT, energy, and minerals.
In his concluding remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister underlined that Pakistan’s diplomatic endeavors at the UNGA reflected a firm commitment to advancing global peace and a principled advocacy for justice, sovereignty, and human rights.