Pakistan, eight Muslim countries condemn Israeli actions in joint statement: FO

WEB DESK: Pakistan and eight other Muslim countries have jointly condemned Israel’s actions in Palestine and occupied Jerusalem, terming them a violation of international law, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson.

In a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the foreign ministers of the participating countries issued a joint statement expressing strong concern over the situation in the occupied territories.

Pakistan, he added, would continue to extend full political and diplomatic support to the Palestinian cause and reiterated its backing for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace in the Middle East.

The spokesperson also raised concern over reported Indian actions involving water diversion from the Chenab River towards the Beas and developments related to the Salal Dam in occupied Kashmir.

He said such measures were inconsistent with existing agreements and the spirit of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that the use of water as a political tool could have serious implications for regional stability and Pakistan’s food security.

He further maintained that any unilateral activity regarding river management without prior intimation to Pakistan constituted a violation of established arrangements, while reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognised dispute.

Diplomatic engagements and regional outreach

Providing an overview of recent diplomatic activity, the spokesperson said the past two weeks had been “particularly significant and busy” for Pakistan’s foreign relations, with engagements spanning China, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China included meetings with Chinese leadership and participation in a Pakistan–China business forum aimed at strengthening economic cooperation.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended engagements in Beijing and New York, including a United Nations Security Council session and meetings with international counterparts.

The spokesperson added that a recent meeting between Ishaq Dar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio covered bilateral ties, counter-terrorism cooperation, and regional security issues, with Washington acknowledging Pakistan’s efforts for stability in the region.

He further highlighted continued diplomatic outreach in the Middle East, including high-level telephone conversations with leaders of Iran, Kuwait, and Malaysia, as well as Pakistan’s ongoing engagement with the European Union following the visit of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The 8th round of the Pakistan–EU Strategic Dialogue, he said, had been co-chaired during the visit and focused on expanding cooperation and addressing regional developments.