Pakistan ‘concerned about the human cost of the escalating situation’ in Middle east

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office in a statement on Saturday expressed concern ‘about the human cost of the escalating situation in the Middle east.

“We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between Israel and Palestinians. We are concerned about the human cost of the escalating situation,” the statement issued by the foreign office read.

“Pakistan has consistently advocated for a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the Middle East, with a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions,” it added.

“A viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine should be established on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.”

The statement issued by FO called on the international community to come together for the cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and a lasting peace in the Middle East.

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Pakistan's concerns at the unfolding situation in the Middle East

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 7, 2023

Care­taker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar emphasised the need for restraint and the protection of civilians. “Enduring peace in the Middle East lies in a two-state solution with a viable, contiguous, sovereign State of Palestine, founded on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif at its heart”, pm wrote.

Heartbroken by the escalating violence in the Middle East, which underscores the urgent need to address the Palestine Question. We urge restraint and protection of civilians. Enduring peace in the Middle East lies in a two state solution with a viable, contiguous, sovereign State…

— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) October 7, 2023

Saudi Arabia: watching conflict between ‘Israeli occupational forces’ and Palestinians

Reactions of political leaders

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said that ending Israel’s illegal occupation, settlement expansion on Palestinian land, and oppression against innocent Palestinians are key to peace, justice, and prosperity in the region.

I am not surprised by today’s events. What else can one expect when Israel continues to deny Palestinians their legitimate right to self-determination and statehood? What else, after daily provocations, attacks by occupation forces and settlers, and raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites of Christianity and Islam?

“The world must recognize that durable peace requires: ending the occupation of Palestinian land, recognizing the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, and upholding Palestinians’ right to independence and sovereignty,” his tweet added.

Ending Israel's illegal occupation, settlement expansion on Palestinian land, and oppression against innocent Palestinians are key for peace, justice, and prosperity in the region. I am not surprised by today's events. What else can one expect when Israel continues to deny…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 7, 2023

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed deep concern at “the serious escalation of hostilities between Israeli occupation forces and Palestinians.”

“There’s an urgent need for the international community to come together and work for halting of all hostilities and protection of civilians for securing a lasting peace in the Middle East,” the former foreign minister wrote in a tweet.

I’m deeply concerned at the serious escalation of hostilities between Israeli occupation forces and Palestinians. Pakistan stands for a two-state solution, in line with international law and UN/OIC resolutions. Stance we have consistently advocated including during my term as…

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) October 7, 2023

The Palestinian armed group Hamas on Saturday launched the largest attack on Israel in years, infiltrating areas in the south of the country following a barrage of more than 2,000 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip that killed at least 22 Israelis and wounded hundreds, local media reported, citing medical workers.