Pakistan Stresses Concrete Reconstruction Plan for Gaza

Asks the world to take serious note of the latest Israeli raids on Gaza which could undermine the ceasefire

Thu Jan 23 2025
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday called upon the global community to devise a concrete plan for the reconstruction of Gaza in line with the UN Security Council resolutions, after more than 15 months of Israeli bombardment has killed over 47,107 Palestinians.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan at his weekly news briefing in Islamabad urged the world to take serious note of the latest Israeli raids which could undermine the ceasefire.

“We urge the international community to develop a concrete plan for the reconstruction of Gaza in line with UN Security Council resolutions. We also call for accountability for the Israeli crimes committed in this brutal war, describing it as an essential element in restoring international legitimacy,” he said.

He added that Pakistan welcomed the initiation of the Gaza ceasefire and the subsequent release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners which was achieved through the mediatory efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

He reiterated Pakistan’s continued support to the two-state solution, based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, resolutions of the UN Security Council, and decisions of the International Court of Justice.

Israel and Palestinian group Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza which started on Sunday followed by a hostage and prisoner exchange, pausing the 15 months of war.

According to the Gaza health ministry, Israeli bombardment has killed more than 47,100 Palestinians in the Palestinian territory.

Pakistan-US ties

Shafqat Ali Khan expressing his views on Pakistan-US ties said Pakistan is committed to a strong and robust relationship with the US based on the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

He welcomed President Donald Trump’s oath-taking and emphasised that the US-Pakistan relationship is very important, covering multiple areas. He said we look forward to continuing the positive trajectory of these relations.

Responding to a question, he said Pakistan has an arrangement with the US under which the US is committed to taking a lot of Afghans from Pakistan for resettlement by September this year. He said this arrangement is in place so far.

TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan

Expressing serious concerns over the sanctuaries enjoyed by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan continues to impress upon the Afghan authorities to address these concerns so that the bilateral ties could achieve its full potential.

Kashmir Dispute

Regarding the Kashmir dispute, Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan’s position on the longstanding dispute is very clear. He said the world is aware of the Indian oppression in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan will support any effort aimed at the resolution of the dispute.

Migrant boat accident

Highlighting the tragic incident involving the capsizing of a boat off the coast of Morocco, he said so far, 22 survivors had been confirmed as Pakistani nationals based on verified information.

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He said that the Pakistan embassy in Morocco remained in contact with the Pakistani survivors to provide any necessary assistance and was coordinating with the Moroccan authorities to ascertain the identity of any additional Pakistani nationals involved in the tragedy.

“The incident was being further monitored and the Moroccan authorities fully cooperated fully in all matters,” he added.

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