Key points
- Any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians must be rejected: Pakistan
- Envoy urges int’l community to support OIC for Gaza reconstruction plan
- UNRWA must be fully empowered to carry out its mandate: Ambassador Iftikhar
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has emphasised the peaceful settlement of the Palestine conflict and the implementation of the two-state solution.
“The world stands at a decisive inflection point where on one side, there is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the ceasefire, obstruct the reconstruction plan and undermine the global consensus on the two-state solution,” he said during the informal consultations on the upcoming high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution.
On the other hand, he said, there is an overwhelming majority of the international community—united across all regions—in support of peace, justice, international law, and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Sincere hope
Reaffirming Pakistan’s full support, Ambassador Asim commended France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for co-chairing the preparatory consultations for the June 2025 Conference.
“We sincerely hope that the June Conference will rise to the occasion and restore hope in peace and justice through meaningful action,” Ambassador Asim stated. “The unprecedented human tragedy and suffering in Gaza and the West Bank cannot be allowed to continue.”
He further stressed that in the lead-up to the conference, the ceasefire must be fully implemented, the blockade on Gaza must be lifted, humanitarian access must be guaranteed, and civilians and humanitarian personnel must be protected.
The unprecedented human tragedy and suffering in Gaza and the West Bank cannot be allowed to continue.” – Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
“Any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians or annex their land must be unequivocally rejected and effectively prevented,” he asserted.
Ambassador Asim urged the international community to support the OIC and the Arab Group in operationalising the Gaza reconstruction plan.
He also underscored that UNRWA must be fully empowered to carry out its mandate without obstruction.
Political roadmap
As part of the political roadmap, Ambassador Asim stressed that the conference must result in irreversible progress toward a two-state solution, including full recognition of the State of Palestine, its admission as a full member of the United Nations, implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion, an end to occupation and accountability for violations of international law.
While acknowledging the details shared regarding the organisation of the conference, Ambassador Asim conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to work with the organisers and all stakeholders to ensure the success of the June conference—advancing a just, lasting, and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian question and establishing durable peace in the Middle East.
