Pakistan is observing a national day of mourning in solidarity with the Palestinians following the assassination of Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh. The decision was made during a consultative meeting of government-allied parties in Islamabad, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The gathering aimed to address the worsening situation in Palestine and demonstrate Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
In a joint declaration, the government announced that a funeral prayer in absentia for Haniyeh, who was martyred in Tehran on Wednesday, would be held nationwide after Friday prayers. This gesture is a powerful statement of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a condemnation of the ongoing Israeli actions.
The participants of the meeting also resolved to present a resolution in Parliament expressing full support for the Palestinian people. This resolution aims to formalize Pakistan’s stance and call for international action against what they described as Israeli state-sponsored terrorism.
International Call to Action
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized the international community’s silence over Israeli actions and condemned the assassination of Haniyeh. He highlighted that Israel has violated numerous international resolutions and decisions by the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice, both of which have labeled Israel’s actions as genocide. “The silence of the international community over the ongoing Israeli barbarism in Palestine is a matter of grave concern,” Sharif stated.
Read More: Pakistan and Turkmenistan to Expedite TAPI Gas Pipeline
Participants urged the international community, including the United Nations, to break its silence, stop the genocide of Palestinians, and hold Israel accountable for war crimes. The meeting emphasized the need for immediate international intervention to halt the atrocities and bring justice to the Palestinian people.
The meeting also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing relief goods and medical assistance to Palestinians. Plans were discussed to bring injured Palestinians to Pakistan for treatment, demonstrating Pakistan’s practical support for those affected by the conflict.
Regional and Global Reactions
The assassination of Haniyeh occurred just hours after Israel targeted and killed top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. While Israel has not commented on the Tehran strike, Iran has vowed retaliation, escalating tensions in the already volatile region.
The decision to observe a national day of mourning reflects Pakistan’s strong stance against Israeli actions and its solidarity with Palestine. “This is censorship, pure and simple,” stated Fahrettin Altun, the Turkish presidency’s communications director, condemning the blocking of condolence messages on social media platforms.
The participants of the Islamabad meeting included leaders and senior representatives from various political parties, showcasing a unified front on this critical issue. The parties involved were the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Pakistan Muslim League Zia, and National Party.
Pakistan aims to position itself as a regional trade hub, leveraging its strategic geopolitical position to enhance its role as a pivotal connector between Central Asian republics and the rest of the world. The ongoing economic and political engagements with countries like Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan reflect this vision.
Prime Minister Sharif’s call to action and the collective resolve of Pakistan’s political leadership highlight the country’s commitment to addressing international conflicts and supporting oppressed communities. The observance of the national day of mourning serves as a poignant reminder of Pakistan’s dedication to justice and peace in the region.
As the world watches the developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict, Pakistan’s strong stance and actions may inspire other nations to take a more active role in advocating for peace and justice in Palestine. The country’s efforts to provide aid and medical assistance further demonstrate its commitment to humanitarian support and regional stability.