ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called upon the international community to ensure the consistent and unhindered delivery of critical humanitarian assistance to the besieged people of Gaza, amid escalating Israeli military operations.
The prime minister made these remarks during a telephonic conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, in which the two leaders exchanged views on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and other pressing regional developments.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed hope that the upcoming United Nations Conference on the Two-State Solution, scheduled for next month, would lead to concrete and meaningful progress toward peace in the Middle East.
During their cordial discussion, the Pakistani premier also expressed deep appreciation for Egypt’s constructive diplomatic role and balanced approach during the recent crisis in South Asia, which he said contributed significantly to the de-escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, Prime Minister Shehbaz lauded the valiant efforts of the country’s Armed Forces in safeguarding national sovereignty and reaffirmed Pakistan’s adherence to the ceasefire understanding with India.
He further underscored the importance of the Indus Waters Treaty, cautioning that any unilateral Indian move to suspend the agreement would cross a “red line” for Pakistan.
On the bilateral front, both leaders expressed satisfaction over the current state of Pakistan-Egypt relations and agreed on the need to boost trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. Prime Minister Shehbaz extended a formal invitation to President Al-Sisi to visit Pakistan, which was warmly accepted.
In a separate development, Pakistan strongly condemned the expansion of Israeli ground operations in Gaza, warning that Israel’s intent to “take control of all” of Gaza posed a grave threat to regional peace and stability.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, in a strongly-worded statement, denounced the continued Israeli aggression, including the targeting of hospitals, critical infrastructure, and mass evacuation orders, describing them as violations of international law and humanitarian norms.
He said the systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza amounted to the imposition of collective punishment on an already suffering population, with over one in five people now facing starvation.
Citing UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ alarm over the deteriorating conditions, Khan reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and urged the global community to take firm steps to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian right to self-determination and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday hosted a high-level interactive session with delegations set to visit key global capitals to present Pakistan’s perspective on the recent provocations by India. Senior officials provided detailed briefings, followed by in-depth discussions on the evolving dynamics of Pakistan-India relations and future diplomatic options.
