Rawalpindi: General Syed Asim Munir NI(M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan Ahmad Jawad Rabei at General Headquarters here.

COAS expressed condolences on loss of Palestinian lives in ongoing war in Gaza. COAS expressed grave concern over unabated violence and willful, indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians by Israeli Defence Forces in war. Incessant attacks on civilian population, schools, universities aid workers, hospitals and forced exodus of Palestinians from Gaza are manifest crimes against humanity.

COAS reiterated call for immediate cessation of hostilities, opening of humanitarian corridor to Gaza, protection of civilians and adherence to International Humanitarian Law. COAS also reiterated Pakistan’s principled support for an independent, viable and contiguous state of Palestine established on basis of pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

“Pakistan believes that fresh spate of violence in Gaza is result of unabated repression, continued human rights violations and state-sponsored sacrilege of Al Aqsa Masjid”, COAS remarked. “At this critical juncture, it is imperative that international community mobilises to put an early end to unfolding human tragedy due to disproportionate and unlawful use of force by Israeli Defence Forces”. Meanwhie, COAS reminded United Nations of its pledge on Kashmir as he expressed his best wishes for world body on its 78th foundation day.

Pakistan’s Armed Forces have distinguished and long history of peacekeeping service with United Nations. Pakistan deployed its first contingent to United Nations operations in Congo. Pakistan participated in 48 joint missions with more than 230,000 troops in 29 countries around world. As many as 170 soldiers including 24 officers sacrificed their lives in UN peacekeeping missions. Meanwhie, COAS reminded United Nations of its pledge on Kashmir as he expressed his best wishes for world body on its 78th foundation day.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 25 2023

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