ISLAMABAD: The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a farewell event for Ahmad Rabaie, the outgoing Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Pakistan.
The event, moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director of CAMEA, featured remarks from prominent speakers including Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors; and Ambassador Ahmad Rabaie.
Amina Khan highlighted the strong bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between Pakistan and Palestine. She praised Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people’s quest for a homeland and expressed appreciation for Ambassador Rabaie’s efforts to strengthen these bilateral ties.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood lauded Ambassador Rabaie for his role in enhancing Pakistan-Palestine relations and advocating for the Palestinian cause, especially in light of recent events since October 7, 2023.
He condemned the ongoing military aggression against Palestinians in Gaza, describing it as part of a long-standing illegal occupation and denial of their right to self-determination.
Ambassador Mahmood emphasized Pakistan’s support for Palestine as rooted in moral imperatives, the Quaid’s vision, and a historical commitment to solidarity.
He also drew parallels between the struggles faced by Palestinians and Kashmiris, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering stance on a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He concluded by thanking Ambassador Rabaie for his service and extending best wishes for his future.
Ambassador Ahmad Rabaie expressed heartfelt gratitude for Pakistan’s enduring support, particularly following the recent escalation. He detailed the devastating impact of the conflict, with significant casualties among women and children, and over 150,000 Palestinians affected.
Ambassador Rabaie commended Pakistan’s prompt humanitarian response, including the formation of a committee to provide essential aid, and appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic and political support at the United Nations. He also acknowledged the active engagement of Pakistan’s youth in advocating for Palestinian rights and thanked ISSI for its ongoing focus on the Gaza situation and solidarity with Palestinians during this challenging time.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood reflected on Pakistan’s long-standing support for Palestine, dating back to the era before partition, when Quaid-e-Azam was a fervent supporter of the Palestinian cause.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian struggle and expressed deep sympathy for the suffering of the Palestinian people, emphasizing that Pakistan’s solidarity remains strong and unwavering.
