New York, United States – In a powerful and unequivocal stance at the United Nations, Pakistan has put-forth the demand for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with a fervent call for the “universal recognition” of the State of Palestine and its full membership in the UN. Addressing a high-level international conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue at the UN Security Council, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, articulated Islamabad’s long-standing principled position, labeling the ongoing crisis in Gaza as a “graveyard for innocent lives and international law” and a “moral stain” on humanity.
The diplomatic push came during a pivotal period at the UN, including a significant conference co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, aimed at advancing efforts for a two-state solution. Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar’s statements resonated deeply within the international forum, reflecting Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their enduring struggle for self-determination and dignity.
A Clarion Call for Immediate Action
Addressing the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on the Middle East on July 24, and subsequently the high-level conference which commenced on July 28, Senator Ishaq Dar issued a firm call to the international community. He starkly described the situation in Gaza, where over 58,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, as an “unconscionable breach of international humanitarian law, United Nations resolutions, and the binding measures of the International Court of Justice.” The minister vehemently condemned the obliteration of Gaza, highlighting the mass civilian casualties, widespread starvation, and extensive destruction of critical infrastructure.
Pakistan’s demands encompass several critical components as detailed below:
- Immediate, Unconditional, and Permanent Ceasefire: This was the paramount demand, emphasizing that the violence and suffering must cease without any further delay across Gaza and all Palestinian occupied territories.
- Full and Unimpeded Humanitarian Access: Dar stressed the urgent need for life-saving food, medicines, and other essential supplies to reach the besieged people of Gaza, along with robust protection for all humanitarian relief teams operating in the volatile region.
You May Like To Read: Deadly Church Attack in Eastern DR Congo
- Universal Recognition and Full UN Membership for Palestine: A cornerstone of Pakistan’s address was the push for all UN member states to formally recognize the State of Palestine. Dar welcomed France’s decision to recognize Palestine and encouraged other countries to follow suit, emphasizing that Palestine’s full membership in the UN would be the “best guarantee for lasting peace in the region.” This demand aligns with Pakistan’s long-held position that a sovereign, independent, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital, is the only viable path to peace.
- International Accountability for War Crimes: Pakistan demanded an end to impunity, calling for rigorous international accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Palestinian territories.
- Reinvigoration of a Genuine Political Process: Dar underscored the necessity of an irreversible political process to end the occupation and fully realize the two-state solution.
- Rejection of Forced Displacement: He urged the conference participants to reject and actively halt any attempts at forced displacement and demographic manipulation within Palestine, and to oppose illegal Israeli settlements and annexations, particularly in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
A Test of the UN’s Credibility
Deputy PM. Dar argued that the Palestinian crisis represents a fundamental “test case” for the United Nations’ credibility and the integrity of global law. He lamented that the prolonged injustice in Palestine is not merely a political failure but a profound “moral stain” on the collective conscience of the international community, posing a persistent threat to global peace and security. He called for credible and enforceable international action on these key priorities, lamenting that:
“The occupation must end, and end now. It is time for freedom, self-determination and statehood, and Palestine’s full membership of the UN.”
Source: ARY News.
Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian cause is rooted in decades of consistent foreign policy. The country has a clear stance that the two-state solution is the only viable answer to the Palestine problem. This principled position has been consistently voiced at various international forums, including the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. During his visit, Dar also chaired an open debate of the UNSC under Pakistan’s presidency on the “peaceful settlement of disputes,” emphasizing the crucial role of multilateral institutions.
Beyond Demands: Pakistan’s Offer of Support
Beyond its demands for an immediate ceasefire and recognition, Pakistan reiterated its willingness to extend practical support to the Palestinian people. Senator Dar stated that Pakistan stands ready to offer dedicated technical assistance and capacity-building support to Palestinian brothers and sisters in key sectors.
You May Like To Read: BRI’s Midlife Crisis: Debt, Greenwash, and Geopolitics
This includes crucial areas such as public administration, health, education, and essential service delivery, to be coordinated directly with the Palestinian leadership. Furthermore, Pakistan expressed its preparedness to contribute to the building of institutions, including through participation in the Arab-OIC Plan and any future international protection mechanism for the Palestinian people.
This comprehensive offer of assistance underscores Pakistan’s holistic approach to the Palestinian question, acknowledging that the resolution requires not only political will and justice but also tangible support for reconstruction and institutional development in a post-conflict scenario.
A Call for Global Conscience
The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, marked by widespread death, destruction, and the targeting of civilian infrastructure including refugee camps, hospitals, and aid convoys, has crossed every “red line of legality and humanity,” as stated by Dar. Pakistan’s fervent appeals at the UN summit highlight a global imperative to address the suffering and to uphold international law. The Deputy Prime Minister’s address serves as a powerful reminder that the collective punishment of Palestinians must cease immediately, and the world must act with purpose and moral clarity to ensure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Pakistan’s proactive role in advocating for Palestine at the highest international forums reaffirms its enduring commitment to justice and human dignity, urging the global community to translate words into concrete, enforceable actions that will finally bring an end to the decades-long occupation and ensure the realization of a free and sovereign Palestinian state.
