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On Thursday, Pakistan expressed its deep disappointment with the outcome of the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) emergency meeting held on Wednesday. Pakistan called for an immediate cessation of the relentless bombardment and the inhumane blockade of Gaza.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for the Foreign Office, conveyed the national dismay during her weekly press briefing. She emphasized the crucial role the Security Council should play in promptly ending the bombardment and the blockade, which have led to a humanitarian crisis.
The disappointment stemmed from the United States exercising its veto power at the UNSC to obstruct a resolution. This resolution, backed by numerous nations and sponsored by Brazil, called for Israel to permit humanitarian corridors into Gaza, a temporary cessation of hostilities, and the withdrawal of an order for civilians to evacuate the northern part of the besieged region. In the 15-member Council, the vote count was 12 in favor, one against (the United States), with Russia and China abstaining.
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Pakistan’s stance was centered on de-escalation and a strong desire for a ceasefire and the end of hostilities. The spokesperson called on the international community to unite in the pursuit of peace.
Regarding the possibility of Pakistan deploying its troops to Palestine, Mumtaz Baloch clarified that Pakistan had no such intentions. Pakistan has consistently advocated for peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and has refrained from initiating hostilities. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza, particularly the recent assault on a hospital.
In an effort to aid the suffering Palestinian population, Pakistan announced that a chartered plane carrying 100 tons of humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies, tents, and blankets, would depart for Egypt, from where the aid would be transported to Gaza.
Also Read: Pakistani Cricketers Show Solidarity with Palestine During ODI World Cup in India
The spokesperson also informed the media about a briefing session conducted for the diplomatic corps concerning the repatriation of illegal foreign nationals from Pakistan. She mentioned the establishment of an institutional mechanism to prevent harassment incidents and the creation of a helpline to address related complaints. When asked about the deadline extension beyond October 31, she stated that the government possessed the authority to make such a decision.
Regarding the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ministerial meeting in Jeddah, addressing the Gaza issue, Mumtaz Baloch noted that the joint communique reflected a consensus among member countries. She mentioned Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s ongoing visit to China to participate in the Third Belt and Road Forum, coinciding with the celebration of a decade of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During the visit, Pakistan and China signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) related to connectivity, communication projects (including ML-1), food security, research, industrial cooperation, and climate change.
The prime minister’s itinerary included meetings with Chinese leadership, interactions with other leaders attending the event, and engagement with think tanks and media. Additionally, he was scheduled to travel to Urumqi to meet the party secretary, influential corporate executives, and deliver a speech at Xinjiang University before returning to Pakistan on Friday.
Lastly, addressing the issue of Indian oppression in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the spokesperson highlighted the forced closure of the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar and the recent house arrest of Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who had been released after four years of confinement. Pakistan reiterated its unwavering support for the Kashmiri people until the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions.
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