Islamabad:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday categorically said that Pakistan does not recognize the Israeli state nor maintain diplomatic ties to it.
The Prime Minister held a telephone conversation with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, where the two leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, with a special focus on the pressing need for a ceasefire in Palestine, a Prime Minister’s office said as a news message.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s active role in ensuring that Pakistani citizens were detained by Israel after their participation in the global Sumud Flotilla, including former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan.
The Prime Minister stated that Islamabad remained in close contact with friendly nations and international organizations to ensure the early release and repatriation of his citizens.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of stopping the ongoing bloodshed by Palestinians and confirmed that Pakistan’s attitude towards the Palestinian case has always been “clear and unequivocal.”
He emphasized that Pakistan has consistently raised his voice for the oppressed Palestinian people on each global forum and will continue to do so.
Sharif, who repeats Pakistan’s long-standing position, said the country supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders before 1967 with al-QD’s al-Sharif as its capital.
He expressed hope that the collective efforts in eight Islamic countries that worked for a ceasefire would soon bear fruit, paved the way for peace and the realization of the prolonged dream of a Palestinian state.
Shehbaz expressed confidence that retained Pakistanis would soon be brought home safely.
During the conversation, both leaders also reviewed the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The Prime Minister reiterated that the federal government is obliged to play its full role in promoting peace and supporting Kashmiri’s struggle for their legitimate rights.
