Islamabad: Pakistan has welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution calling for an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
During her weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch urged the international community to act swiftly to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The genocide in Gaza must stop immediately. Civilians are being indiscriminately targeted, with attacks on food distribution centers, hospitals, and refugee shelters,” she said.
Concerns Over Escalating Situation in Syria
The spokesperson also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Syria, warning that the ongoing conflict could further destabilize the region and strengthen terrorist organizations. She emphasized the need for international efforts to de-escalate tensions and uphold Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Condemnation of Property Seizures in Occupied Kashmir
Highlighting the continued confiscation of properties in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), particularly the recent seizure of assets belonging to 13 individuals in Kishtwar district, Baloch strongly condemned the actions.
“India’s actions are part of a campaign to harass and intimidate Kashmiris and punish them for their dissenting political views. We urge Indian authorities to halt these seizures and fulfill their international obligations as an occupying power,” she stated.
Commitment to Kashmir Cause
Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people, Baloch said, “Pakistan will continue to provide political, diplomatic, and moral support for a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions.”
Prime Minister’s Visit to Saudi Arabia
The spokesperson also highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s two-day visit to Saudi Arabia from December 3-4, where he participated in the One Water Summit. The Prime Minister underscored the need for global political will to address the looming water crisis and proposed a six-point agenda to tackle water-related challenges.
On the sidelines of the summit, he held bilateral meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Pakistan’s Role in ECO Summit
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan at the 28th Council of Ministers meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Mashhad, Iran. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Charter and described ECO Vision 2025 as a critical framework for enhancing regional cooperation. Dar also signed the ECO Charter for the establishment of a Clean Energy Center to promote research and development of renewable energy.
Strengthening Economic Ties with Russia
Baloch also briefed on the 9th Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission meeting held in Moscow from December 2-4. The two nations signed eight agreements to enhance cooperation in energy, education, healthcare, trade, technology, and industrial sectors.
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