The Pakistan Political Leadership convened at the President’s House for an All-Parties Conference (APC), where they called for a unified platform among Islamic countries to confront Israel’s ongoing aggression against Palestinians. The participants underscored the urgent need for decisive action from the international Muslim community to address this critical issue.
The APC, held at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focused on the recent escalation in the Middle East, particularly the dire situation in Palestine. Notable political figures, including President Asif Ali Zardari, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, were in attendance, emphasizing the collective voice of the Pakistan Political Leadership.
The conference began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by Pakistan’s national anthem. Federal Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman, presented the agenda, highlighting that the meeting aimed to address the attacks initiated by Israel against Palestinians on 7 October 2024, marking a somber anniversary for the community.
President Zardari Condemns Israeli Actions as Genocide
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his opening speech, condemned Israel’s actions as “genocidal,” stating that the global community has failed to intervene effectively to halt Israel’s continuous assaults on Palestinians. “Israel has martyred over 41,000 Palestinians in the latest round of aggression, and now it is targeting Lebanon and Syria as well.
The international community is unable to stop these atrocities. This is a serious threat to regional peace,” Asif Ali Zardari emphasized, further reinforcing the role of the Pakistan Political Leadership in advocating for Palestine.
Recalling Pakistan’s historic ties with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Asif Ali Zardari added, “We have cooperated with the PLO for decades. I met Yasser Arafat many times, and Pakistan has always stood with Palestine. Now, Israel is increasing its violent operations, and we must act.”
Asif Ali Zardari urged Muslim countries to leverage their collective power to halt Israel’s advances. “The Islamic world has enormous strength. If we do not use it now, then when?” he questioned, underlining the responsibility of the Pakistan Political Leadership.
Nawaz Sharif’s Call for Immediate Action
Former Prime Minister and PML-N leader, Nawaz Sharif, expressed disappointment over the United Nations’ inability to implement its resolutions on Palestine, likening the situation to the Kashmir conflict. “The world is witnessing the worst atrocities in history. Entire cities in Palestine have been turned into rubble. Children are being snatched from their mothers and killed in front of their parents. Yet, the world remains silent,” Sharif lamented.
He emphasized the need for the Pakistan Political Leadership to mobilize the collective military strength of Islamic countries against Israel. “Islamic nations have a massive military alliance. If they do not act now, when will they? This is the moment to stand together and create a policy to protect Muslims from further bloodshed,” he insisted.
Nawaz Sharif highlighted the urgency for immediate action and urged the leadership to draft recommendations quickly and seek collaboration from Muslim nations worldwide. “This must happen without delay,” he stressed.
Fazlur Rehman Echoes Historic Stance Against Israel
JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman echoed Nawaz Sharif’s concerns, referring to Israel’s foundation as a colonial project stemming from the 1917 Balfour Declaration by Britain. He recalled the sentiments of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who had denounced Israel as an “illegitimate child.”
“It is astonishing that some people in Pakistan have even suggested recognizing Israel,” Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated, firmly rejecting any possibility of a two-state solution. He condemned the recent Israeli aggression, which has now expanded beyond Palestine to Lebanon and other neighboring countries.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the global response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that even smaller nations like South Africa had taken stronger actions by bringing the issue before the International Court of Justice. He urged the Pakistan Political Leadership to form a coalition of major Muslim countries to tackle Israeli aggression collectively.
“Why are we not supporting Hamas openly?” he asked, referring to the Palestinian resistance group. “To the West, they may be terrorists, but to us, they are freedom fighters. It is time we declare our support openly.”
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Advocates for Global Representation
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accused Israel of exploiting the hostage situation as a pretext to expand its occupation into Lebanon, Egypt, and Palestine. He called for immediate global intervention and suggested that the APC form a committee to advocate for Palestine on international platforms.
“We need to nominate honorary ambassadors for Palestine, who will represent Pakistan’s stance on the global stage,” Bilawal Bhutto proposed. He urged the APC to pass a strong resolution against Israel’s actions and take it to the international community.
Bilawal Bhutto also criticized the Western portrayal of the conflict, stating, “The world presents October 7 as if everything was calm before that. They conveniently ignore the decades of occupation and violence Palestinians have suffered.”
PM Shehbaz Calls for Ceasefire and Solidarity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who closed the conference, praised the participants for their solidarity on the Palestinian issue. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and called for a ceasefire.
“What Israel is doing in Palestine is unimaginable. Innocent people are being slaughtered, and the world powers are silent,” said Sharif. “We will form a group of experts to visit key international capitals and deliver Pakistan’s message of solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
Sharif thanked the political and religious leaders for setting aside domestic differences and uniting on this issue. “Every time Pakistan faces a national or international challenge, we come together. Today is a shining example of this unity,” he concluded.
He stated that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) must take the lead in resolving the crisis. “We need to act now. The Palestinian bloodshed must end,” he insisted.
Unified Resolution from the APC
The APC concluded with a unanimous resolution calling for the immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities and urging the Muslim world to form a unified platform to defend Palestinian rights. The participants agreed to send a delegation to key international capitals to raise awareness of Israel’s crimes, declaring that Israel’s ongoing actions are a grave threat to regional stability and world peace, and calling on global powers to take immediate action.
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