Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani strongly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza during a press conference. He urged Israel to respect United Nations resolutions and avoid targeting civilian populations.
Jilani expressed his deep concern about the loss of innocent Palestinian lives, particularly women and children, due to Israeli ground and air attacks. He labeled Israel’s actions as an ongoing “genocide” against Palestinians.
He emphasized Pakistan’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause, advocating for a two-state solution with pre-1967 borders, designating Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of Palestine.
Jilani affirmed that Pakistan’s policy regarding Israel remains unchanged and aligned with past positions, focusing on supporting Palestinian self-determination under UNSC and OIC resolutions.
Regarding humanitarian aid for besieged Palestinians, Jilani mentioned ongoing coordination with international and Muslim communities, despite the Gaza blockade. He anticipated discussions at the upcoming OIC executive committee meeting to address the crisis and provide immediate assistance.
Pakistan expressed readiness to assist Palestinians and had engaged with Egyptian authorities. Jilani believed the OIC committee meeting would strongly advocate for a prompt resolution.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar’s visit to the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing was discussed, where bilateral cooperation agreements with China were expected to be signed. Jilani highlighted the positive impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on regional prosperity.
Jilani addressed the issue of expelling illegal foreigners, clarifying it applied to all nationalities in Pakistan without legal documents. Pakistan continued to support Afghanistan economically and in trade relations, with constructive meetings with the Afghan interim foreign minister.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were noted for their close relations and shared positions on important issues. Jilani criticized India for not permitting Pakistani spectators and journalists to attend ICC World Cup matches, considering it a violation of international norms.
He also discussed his participation in the ECO meeting in Azerbaijan, emphasizing shared prosperity and connectivity between member countries. The development of road and railway corridors with Iran and Azerbaijan was mentioned as a potential connectivity network linking Pakistan with Central Asian Republics and Russia.
Regarding the recovery of fake passports from Afghans, the Ministry of Interior was investigating the issue.
