NEW YORK – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has firmly stated that Pakistan fully supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Speaking in an interview, he emphasized Pakistan’s decades-old commitment to the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, based on pre-1967 borders.
Dar praised the upcoming United Nations peace conference, jointly led by France and Saudi Arabia, calling it a crucial step toward peace and recognition for Palestine. He said Pakistan strongly backs this initiative and highlighted the urgent need to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conference is expected to focus on a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and political recognition.
He also detailed Pakistan’s continued humanitarian efforts in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon since the crisis began. He noted that Pakistan has sent multiple aid consignments and stands ready to help with reconstruction. Dar emphasized that peace must be achieved through international law and the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic role, Dar shared that he chaired a UN Security Council debate on Palestine on July 24. He said Pakistan uses every platform — including the OIC, UNGA, and SCO — to advocate for both the Palestinian and Kashmir causes, drawing parallels between the two long-standing disputes.
Dar stressed that real peace cannot be achieved through war and violence, but only through dialogue and diplomacy. He also expressed hopes for an immediate ceasefire and international collaboration in rebuilding Gaza, where the destruction has been severe and widespread.
On accountability, he criticized the global community for ignoring the International Court of Justice’s findings on Gaza. He reaffirmed that both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and himself have clearly raised their voices at every international forum, demanding justice for the people of Palestine.