Pakistani leaders question UN’s role amid Israeli genocide

ISLAMABAD: An all-parties conference (APC) on Palestine commenced at the President’s House on Monday, where leaders of major political parties questioned the viability of the United Nations Security Council in the face of Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians.

The APC on the Middle East and Palestine was convened at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Key participants included President Asif Zardari, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, former caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, ANP leader Aimal Wali Khan, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and other political leaders.

The conference officially began with the recitation of the national anthem. PPP leader Sherry Rehman presented the agenda, marking October 7 as a black day — when Israel launched its attack on the Palestinian people.

Also read: Israel steps up Gaza bombing as Palestinians mark war’s first anniversary

President Zardari condemned Israel’s actions, calling them genocidal and urging immediate intervention.

He stated, “There is the draft from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for this conference, but then there is also the voice of my heart. We witnessed the offices of the PLO here. Israel has escalated its offensive, posing a significant threat to regional peace.”

Zardari added that over 41,000 Palestinians have been martyred due to Israeli aggression, and now the offensive extends to neighboring countries like Lebanon and Syria.

He criticized the international community for failing to stop Israel’s actions and the continued genocide of Muslims in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. “The world must take strict notice of this,” he emphasized.

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif highlighted the cruelty inflicted on innocent Palestinians, calling it “the worst example in history.”

He described how entire cities have been turned into ghettos, with children being forcibly separated from their parents and martyred before their eyes. He lamented the global silence on the issue and criticized those who frame it as a religious rather than a humanitarian crisis.

Sharif also criticized the United Nations for its inability to act, stating, “The UN remains helpless in the face of Israeli occupation in Palestine, and its resolutions are not being implemented.

He said that Shehbaz Sharif brought up the issue at the UN, but Israel doesn’t care, and neither does the UN, despite being such a large organisation.”

He drew parallels between the Palestinian crisis and Kashmir, where UN resolutions have similarly failed to be implemented. “What use is the UN if it cannot deliver justice and stop oppression?”

Nawaz Sharif shared that he had met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat twice and praised his efforts, expressing hope that the sacrifices of Palestinians would not be in vain.

He urged Islamic countries to unite and take decisive action, stressing the need for immediate, well-considered steps.

Sharif further pointed to the military alliance of Islamic countries, asking, “If Islamic nations don’t use their collective strength today, when will they? This might be the last opportunity. We must come together to form a unified policy, or we will continue to witness the bloodshed of innocent children and families.”

He also emphasized that Israel’s actions are backed by global powers.

“These powers must reflect on how long they will test the patience of the Islamic world and Palestine. After forming our recommendations, we should engage with the Islamic world to play an effective role. The people of Pakistan expect us to act decisively, and we must be mindful of their sentiments. Delaying is not an option.”

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the process of establishing Jewish settlements on Palestinian land has begun. He emphasized that in the 1940 resolution, solidarity with the Palestinians was declared. He questioned, “On what grounds are some people allowed to lobby for Israel’s recognition?”

He added that Hamas changed the dynamics of the Palestinian issue on October 7, asserting that there is no justification for a Jewish state in this region.

The JUI-F chief said, “We call this entire land the land of Arabia and Palestine. Today, we come together in solidarity with the Palestinians. On October 7th, we commemorate this day as one of solidarity. So far, 50,000 Muslims have been martyred.”

He pointed out that the majority of the martyrs in Palestine are children, the elderly, and women.

“As Muslims, we must reflect on Palestine today. Feeling the pain of the Palestinians, we have shown negligence. Pakistan equally shares this crime of negligence. South Africa has shown more courage by going to the International Court of Justice against Israel. The ICJ ordered a ceasefire, but Israel, acting brazenly, even blocked the UN Secretary-General from visiting Israel.”

Maulana Fazl further lamented, “The entire Islamic world, including Pakistan, has become a victim of expediency. Our Palestinian brothers need more than just words of solidarity. The situation in Palestine is of grave concern, and we cannot fulfill their rights through a conference and a resolution alone.”

He also mentioned receiving a letter written by Palestinian leaders and urged the audience to understand what they expect from Pakistan. “Last year, on October 14, we held a large rally in which Palestinian leaders participated. We openly support Hamas. While they may be seen as terrorists in the eyes of Europe, to us, they are Mujahideen. If America labels us as terrorists, we will label them the same.”

Maulana Fazl called for a coalition of major Muslim countries, suggesting a group consisting of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, and Malaysia. He emphasized the need for a unified strategy across the Islamic world. “This war has already spread to Lebanon and Iran. The rest of the Islamic world is also being targeted. This conference should be meaningful, and we must engage with the wider Islamic world.”

He concluded by stressing the importance of economic cooperation among Muslim countries and urged Pakistan to take a strong stand at international forums. “Even if we don’t pass a united resolution, our mission will advance. India has openly supported Israel, and we will openly support Palestine.”

JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said that the situation in Palestine is evident to everyone. He mentioned that Israel has used 85,000 tons of explosives so far, with 80 to 90 percent of the buildings in Palestine being demolished.

The JI chief added that 173 journalists have been killed in Palestine. Hospitals have been destroyed, and schools, mosques, and churches have also been targeted. He acknowledged that the Prime Minister did well by raising the issue of Palestine at the United Nations.

He continued, “This platform should not advocate for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state. When we talk about the two-state solution, Pakistan moves away from its principled stance.”

He emphasized, “We consider the State of Israel an occupying entity. We do not recognize Israel as a legitimate state, a position held by Quaid-i-Azam. Israel has also attacked Yemen, Lebanon, and Iran. Children are being martyred in Palestine, and tomorrow, our own children may not be safe. America is Israel’s biggest supporter, having provided $310 billion to Israel between 2019 and 2023. The U.S. supplies 70 to 80 percent of the weapons used by Israel to kill innocent civilians.”

He further criticized the U.S., saying, “America lied about Iraq, killed in Afghanistan, and now claims that Hamas is a terrorist group. Hamas should have an office in Pakistan. They won the elections, but the U.S. did not allow them to govern. If they contest elections, they are doing so under the United Nations Convention. What are we afraid of? What has America given us so far?”

He urged, “We must expose the world that is complicit in killing humanity. There should be protests outside the White House. It’s often argued that our economic situation is weak, but when Pakistan was formed in 1947, people sacrificed everything. Quaid-i-Azam declared at that time that Israel is an illegitimate state. We should only discuss the recognition of an independent Palestinian state.”

Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman continued, “Israel is killing children and women, attacking refugee tents. The United Nations remains silent on the issues of Kashmir and Palestine. Thousands of people are imprisoned in Israeli jails, facing severe hardships. Palestinians are teaching their children in tents, despite their dire circumstances. Hamas is a political force. My demand is that a Hamas office should also be established in Pakistan.”

He expressed regret that the Palestinians have not received adequate support from Muslim countries. “I approached the Prime Minister on the issue of Palestine, and I also reached out to PTI. A clear message must be sent from this platform regarding Palestine.”

He suggested, “We should convene a meeting of all heads of Islamic countries and include the army chiefs in the discussions. South Africa, China, and Russia should also be engaged in these talks. There is a particular need to discuss the Palestine issue with Saudi Arabia.”

He stressed the importance of lobbying, diplomacy, and a bold stance on Palestine, urging, “We must not be afraid of the economic situation. There are reasons why the economy is in its current state. We are fighting for the economy, holding discussions, sit-ins, and we will continue to do so. At this moment, we need to take a clear stand on both humanitarian and religious grounds.”

He called for increasing aid to Palestine, suggesting that scholarships should be provided for Palestinian children. “We must take an active role in diplomacy regarding Palestine. The issue should also be raised in the SCO. Unity is our salvation; we must unite the nation and the Ummah.”

He said that Saudi Arabia and Iran need to step up and play a decisive role.

Khalid Magsi, Jan Buledi, Aimal Wali, Chaudhry Salik, Haleem Khan and other leaders also spoke.

Israeli aggression must end: conference declaration

A declaration was issued following the all-parties conference, unanimously condemning Israel’s ongoing aggression in Palestine and its violation of international laws. The declaration called for an immediate halt to the aggression and an urgent ceasefire in Gaza.

The resolution further accused Israel of committing genocide and war crimes against the Palestinians. It expressed support for the peace efforts of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League, and the international community, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to these efforts.

The statement reiterated Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital. It also noted that Pakistan has already sent aid to its Palestinian and Lebanese brothers and will intensify efforts to provide further assistance.