ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed that Pakistan neither recognizes Israel nor maintains any diplomatic ties with it, reiterating the country’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
The premier made these remarks during a phone call with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. The two leaders discussed the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, focusing on the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Shehbaz stressed that Pakistan’s stance on Palestine has always been “clear and unequivocal,” adding that Islamabad continues to raise its voice for the oppressed Palestinians on every global platform. He underlined that the bloodshed must stop immediately and called for renewed efforts toward the creation of an independent Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The prime minister also highlighted his government’s active role in securing the release of Pakistani nationals detained by Israel after participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, including former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. He assured that Pakistan is in close contact with friendly nations and international organizations to ensure their early repatriation, expressing confidence that the detainees would soon return safely.
During the call, Shehbaz pointed to the joint efforts of eight Islamic countries pushing for a ceasefire, voicing hope that their collective diplomacy would pave the way for lasting peace and the realization of the long-standing Palestinian dream of statehood.
The conversation also touched on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Shehbaz reiterated that the federal government remains fully committed to supporting the Kashmiri people in their struggle for legitimate rights, vowing that Pakistan will continue to play its part in the pursuit of peace and justice.
