Pakistan, May 17 — On Nakba Day, President Asif Ali Zardari, on Saturday, emphasized Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate fight for independence, liberty, and respect.
“The Day serves as a solemn reminder of the events in 1948 that resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes and lands, causing enduring hardship,” the president stated in a message marking the Day’s observance. For the Palestinian people, he noted that the Nakba was not a finished chapter in history. It continues to be a present reality characterized by occupation, migration, loss of property, and the denial of rights.
The leader mentioned that Pakistan has always supported the Palestinian people and has kept advocating for their rightful and untransferable rights at the United Nations and other global platforms.
The president stated in a press release issued by the President Secretariat Media Wing that Pakistan’s stance is based on the principles of justice, international law, and pertinent United Nations resolutions.
On this significant day, he stated that Pakistan urged the global community to maintain assistance for the Palestinian people, especially Palestinian refugees.
The right of return for Palestinian refugees, as stated in Resolution 194, has yet to be realized and needs to be respected.
President Zardari once again emphasized Pakistan’s pressing demand for an immediate, complete, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population, and responsibility for Israel’s conduct.
“Pakistan will keep backing the creation of a feasible, autonomous, and unified Palestinian state, according to internationally recognized guidelines of the borders before 1967, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” he added.
On this day, the president stated that Pakistan urged all countries to adhere to international law, back the rightful claims of the Palestinian people, and collaborate to achieve a fair, enduring, and complete resolution to the Palestinian issue.
“Pakistan will remain committed to supporting the Palestinian people until their fundamental rights are achieved, such as their right to self-governance and an independent state,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stated on Saturday that Pakistan reaffirms its firm backing for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, functional, and unified Palestinian state according to the borders prior to June 1967, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
In a post on X, he stated, “As our Palestinian brothers and sisters observe the 78th somber anniversary of Nakba, we reflect on the lasting hardship and forced removal of Palestinians from their homeland since 1948.”
On this significant day, Pakistan reiterates its steadfast support for our Palestinian brothers and sisters. He further stated that they call for an immediate cessation of the oppression, occupation, and violence carried out by Israeli authorities against Palestinians.
