President Asif Ali Zardari, Saturday, on the occasion of Nakba Day, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle for self-determination, freedom and dignity.
“The Day is a solemn reminder of the events of 1948 that led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes and lands, leading to their prolonged suffering,” the president said in a message on the observance of the Day. For the Palestinian people, he said that the Nakba was not a closed chapter of history. It remained a continuing reality marked by occupation, displacement, dispossession, and denial of rights.
The president said Pakistan had consistently stood by the Palestinian people and had continued to raise its voice for their legitimate and inalienable rights at the United Nations and other international forums.
“Pakistan’s position is guided by the principles of justice, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions,” President Secretariat Media Wing in a press release, quoted the president as saying.
On this solemn day, he said Pakistan called upon the international community to ensure continued support for the Palestinian people, particularly Palestinian refugees.
The Right of Return of Palestinian refugees, as affirmed in Resolution 194, remains unfulfilled and must be upheld.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s urgent call for an immediate, unconditional and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, and accountability for Israel’s actions.
“Pakistan will continue to support the establishment of a viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine, based on internationally agreed parameters of the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” he added.
On this day, the president said Pakistan called upon all nations to uphold international law, support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and work collectively for a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the question of Palestine.
“Pakistan will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people until their inalienable rights are realised, including their right to self-determination and statehood,” he further emphasised.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Saturday said Pakistan reaffirms its resolute support for the creation of a sovereign, independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian State based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
In a post on X, he said, “As our Palestinian brethren mark the 78th solemn anniversary of Nakba, we remember the enduring suffering and displacement of the Palestinians from their homeland since 1948.”
“On this solemn occasion, Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We demand an immediate end to the oppression, occupation, and violence being perpetrated by Israeli occupation authorities against Palestinians,” he added.