Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today urged the international community to forge a tangible path towards Palestinian self-determination, emphasising that the population has long withstood illegal occupation and immense hardship.
Addressing the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in the US capital, the Prime Minister advocated for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and indigenous state of Palestine, consistent with relevant United Nations resolutions.
He stressed that to achieve enduring peace, it is crucial that ceasefire violations cease in order to protect lives and facilitate reconstruction initiatives. Mr Sharif stated that the people of Palestine must be allowed to exercise complete control over their territory and their destiny, as mandated by the United Nations Security Council.
The Prime Minister also expressed considerable praise for US President Donald Trump, voicing optimism that a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue could be secured under his “visionary and dynamic leadership”.
He conveyed deep appreciation for what he termed President Trump’s “unique initiative” and leadership in progressing peaceful solutions to conflicts across the globe, noting his “bold diplomacy” has calmed numerous serious international disputes.
Citing a specific regional example, the Prime Minister credited President Trump’s “timely and very effective intervention” in securing a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, an action he claimed potentially averted the loss of tens of millions of lives.