Foreign Office Expresses Deep Concern Over Gaza Atrocities

Foreign Office (FO) expressed deep concern on Thursday regarding the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, condemning Israel’s harsh treatment of innocent Palestinians. The FO consistently criticizes Israel’s actions, deeming the situation in Gaza a “tragedy of epic proportions.”

They are urging the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to fulfill its responsibility by promoting peace, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the lifting of the siege, and the prompt initiation of unimpeded humanitarian aid.

The Gaza health ministry reported today that the death toll in Palestine has reached 20,000.

In response to the Indian Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the suspension of Article 370 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch stated that Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani had written letters to the heads of international organizations, informing them of India’s illegal and unilateral actions in the occupied valley.

Baloch emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people, pledging diplomatic, political, and moral assistance until they achieve their right to self-determination.

Also Read: UN Chief Once Again Warns of Severe Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

On a different note, the spokesperson mentioned that the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued visas to 166 Hindu pilgrims, expressing a warm welcome to Hindu and Sikh pilgrims.

🔴LIVE: Spokesperson's Weekly Press Briefing 21-12-23 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad https://t.co/XMwzyF2ssL

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 21, 2023

Additionally, Baloch informed that Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar conducted a one-day visit to Kuwait this week to convey condolences on the demise of the former emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, on behalf of the government.

Following the emir’s death, the interim premier declared Monday, December 18, as a day of mourning in Pakistan, expressing fraternal solidarity with the royal family, the government, and the people of Kuwait.

The Indian Supreme Court, in a unanimous verdict on December 11, upheld the Modi government’s 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, revoking special status to occupied Kashmir. This decision directed the election commission to conduct elections in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) region by September 30, 2024.

In 2019, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) revoked the special status of occupied Kashmir by abolishing Article 370 of the constitution. This article not only reserved state government jobs and college places for residents but also restricted the Indian parliament’s authority to enact laws in the region, except in defense, foreign affairs, and communications.