ISLAMABAD: Pakistan wants peace in Middle East (ME) and we reject Israeli Prime Minister’s statement regarding perceived threat from Pakistan.

“We are concerned over situation in Gaza. Attack on hospital is violation of international laws.Our demand is that siege be ended. Pakistan will welcome all steps for ceasefire in Gaza, this was said by Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during weekly press briefing here.

She said Pakistan welcomes joint communique released by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation after its extraordinary open-ended meeting of Executive Committee on Palestine held in Jeddah.

While replying to question, she said meeting reflects consensus of OIC countries and it has called for immediate cessation of hostilities, lifting siege and opening humanitarian corridors for people of Gaza.

Replying to another question, she said we are naturally disappointed with results of debate at United Nations Security Council. We believe that UN Security Council should play its designated role in bringing an immediate end to ongoing situation and bombardment in Gaza and continuing blockade that is creating humanitarian catastrophe for Palestinian people.

Answering yet another question, spokesperson said Pakistan also welcomes all initiatives that contribute to ultimate objective of immediate ceasefire, lifting of blockade and provision of humanitarian assistance to people of Gaza. We hope that initiative of Turkiye and other countries will be discussed and debated and consensus would reach which would contribute to ultimate outcome which we all desire.

Mumtaz Zahra said Pakistan is sending humanitarian assistance for our Palestinian brothers and sisters. A charted aircraft carrying one hundred tons of humanitarian supplies including tents, blankets and essential medicines will depart from Islamabad to Egypt today from where these assistance will be transferred to people of Gaza.

Replying to question, she said it is responsibility of India as host of ICC World Cup, to provide safe and conducive environment to teams which are participating in World Cup including Pakistani cricket team.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 20 2023

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