Pakistani PM Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Palestine

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Palestine, urging the international community especially the Muslim World to act swiftly in stopping Israel from further bloodshed in Gaza.

Addressing the All Parties Conference on Palestine and Gaza at the President House, the prime minister said it was the time for the Muslim World to move forward and take practical steps to prevent Israel from further bloodshed in Palestine.

He condemned Israel's ongoing violence and barbarism, expressing deep sorrow that innocent Palestinians were being killed daily.

"The first priority should be to stop the bloodshed in Palestine, which is a foremost duty, and for this, the platform of the OIC is available."

Commending the participation of all political parties in the conference, the prime minister said the gathering reflected that whenever Pakistan faced challenges, either external or internal, the country's entire political leadership gets united to present solid recommendation and offers full cooperation in implementing the proposals. 

The prime minister announced to formulate a working group that would take decisions in the light of proposals presented in the Conference.

He also agreed with other participants' views that instead of adhering to a two-state solution, the focus should be on demanding for an independent state of Palestine with Al-Quds as its capital.

The prime minister highlighted that he forcefully raised the government's stance against Israel's barbarism in Palestine without take care of the consequences. 

Additionally, he said he along with the delegation, also staged a walkout at the UN General Assembly when Israel's PM Netanyahu came to address the assembly.

"I knew that my speech would cause a stir, but I didn't care and boldly raised my voice in support of the oppressed Palestinians at the UN General Assembly."

The prime minister pointed out that developing the country's economy was the foremost priority of the government as without overcoming poverty and getting economically strong, "our voice would not be heard in the world".

As regards dispatching relief goods to Palestine, PM Shehbaz said the government was making full efforts in this regard. He also appreciated the Al-Khidmat Foundation for cooperating with the government.