Pakistan backs Palestinian right to self-determination

Pakistan has once again expressed its solidarity with the Palestinian people, reaffirming their right to dignity, justice and self-determination.

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has once again expressed its solidarity with the Palestinian people, reaffirming their right to dignity, justice and self-determination.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, conveyed the country’s position while addressing the UN Security Council’s monthly briefing on the situation in the Middle East.

The ambassador called for an immediate end to measures that, according to Pakistan, seek to change the legal, geographic and demographic character of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

He particularly urged an end to the expansion of Israeli settlements, settler violence, annexation-related measures and the forced displacement of Palestinians, stressing the need to respect international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Speaking about the situation in Gaza, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stressed the importance of fully implementing the Gaza Peace Plan and Security Council Resolution 2803.

He said implementation should be carried out in good faith, beginning with the full enforcement of the ceasefire and the establishment of an effective mechanism to verify compliance.

Pakistan maintained that lasting peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved through unilateral actions or continued occupation. Instead, the country called for a comprehensive and just political settlement based on international law, UN resolutions and internationally recognised principles.

The Pakistani envoy emphasised that a durable solution must address the legitimate political aspirations and rights of the Palestinian people.

He reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that peace requires the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds al Sharif as its capital.

Pakistan has consistently supported international diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and achieving a negotiated settlement. Islamabad has also called for sustained international efforts to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian assistance and prevent further deterioration of the regional situation.