Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Speaking at an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ambassadors at the United Nations, Pakistan’s permanent representative Maleeha Lodhi deplored the fact that one country had again blocked a unanimous call by the 14 other members of the Security Council to issue a statement calling for an independent investigation into the the violence currently gripping Palestine.

She described a call by some countries for both sides to exercise “restraint” as a “disingenuous attempt” to equate the occupying power with the Palestinians.

She stated that US’s decision to shift its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is a violation of international law and stands in contravention of the UN Charter’s prohibition of the forcible acquisition of territory. The move also undermines any possibility of a two-state solution in the Middle East.

On the other hand, Pakistan will observe Palestine solidarity day on May 18, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi instructed.

A statement issued by the PM’s Office read, “Yaum-e-Yakjehti-e-Palestine” (Palestine Solidarity Day) aims at demonstrating complete solidarity with the Palestinian brethren. On this day, special prayers will be offered for the Palestinian people, who are affected by severe atrocities and barbarism.”

The statement also read that the government and the people of Pakistan would continue to support their Palestinian brethren and would present their case at every forum.