ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s support to the people of Palestine assuring maximum contribution to the reconstruction phase of Gaza after the 42-day ceasefire.
The prime minister made the remarks at the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad. He said that the ceasefire followed the killing of over 50,000 Palestinian people including men, women, and children, and the destruction of cities.
As the ceasefire took effect on Sunday thousands of displaced, war-weary Palestinians set off across the devastated Gaza Strip to return to ruined homes.
The truce brokered by Qatari, US and Egyptian mediators is meant to enable a surge of sorely needed humanitarian aid into Gaza, as a total of 33 Israeli hostages are to be released in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinians in Israeli custody.
Gaza’s health ministry said that since October 7, 2023, at least 46,913 Palestinians, mostly women and children have been killed in Gaza in the Israeli bombardment campaign in response to Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prayed that the temporary ceasefire turned into a permanent truce and recalled that Pakistan sent relief goods for the Palestinian people despite immense difficulties and challenges.
Operationalisation of Gwadar Airport
He told the cabinet that the Gwadar International Airport had started its operations on Monday as one of Pakistan’s biggest facilities has been completed with $230 million in funding by China.
He said that Gwadar Airport could bring about immense benefits to the people of Balochistan as well as the whole country if run on commercial lines.
“But those who are poised to hurt Pakistan and continue to kill people, are not just going against the people of Balochistan but also showing their animosity against the entire Pakistan… We should value this Chinese gift to Pakistan. Gwadar Airport will prove to be a milestone for Pakistan’s development,” he remarked.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasised the significance of the 10-Year Country Partnership Framework recently announced by the World Bank. Under this framework, Pakistan is set to receive $20 billion in loans, aimed at fostering the development of multiple social sectors and advancing critical infrastructure projects.
He called on the relevant ministries to work collaboratively and speedily to achieve the objectives of the framework, stressing the need to overcome any obstacles that may hinder progress.
Expressing his satisfaction with the country’s economic advancements, the Prime Minister stressed a record-breaking surge in IT exports, which reached an all-time high of $348 million in December 2024.
He also noted the consistent increase in overall exports and the steady improvement in Pakistan’s economic indicators, viewing these trends as a testament to the nation’s resilience and potential for growth.
He was hopeful that the upcoming Hajj would be comfortable for the pilgrims vis-a-vis their stay and other facilities in Makkah and Madinah.
The prime minister said that Pakistan nation owed the security forces for their immense sacrifices to ensure the country’s development and prosperity.
He acknowledged the deep respect the people of Pakistan hold for the sacrifices made by security personnel, who selflessly leave their own children behind to secure the future of millions across the nation.
