UN PICTURE RELEASED BY PAK. MISSION
Mumtaz Hussain
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, terming the situation in the strip a stain on collective conscience of the international community.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad spoke on Tuesday at the resumed Tenth Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly focused on the situation in Palestine.
Ambassador Ahmad expressed disappointment that a recent UN Security Council resolution on Gaza was blocked by a veto, despite support from many countries, including Pakistan. He said this has increased the responsibility of the General Assembly to act.
“The situation in Gaza is a stain on our collective conscience,” he said.
Ahmad supported a General Assembly resolution passed last week that calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, access for humanitarian aid, and respect for international law. He said these are not just goals, but legal obligations.
He also highlighted the heavy toll of the conflict. According to him, more than 55,000 people have died, including 18,000 children and 28,000 women. Homes, hospitals, and schools have been destroyed, and famine is a growing risk.
Pakistan made four key demands: a full and immediate ceasefire, as outlined in UN Resolution 2735, the lifting of the blockade on Gaza to allow aid deliveries, full support and funding for the UN agency UNRWA and a return to efforts for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
Ambassador Ahmad also welcomed the upcoming international conference on Palestine, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. He said it was important for countries to show support for a peaceful and fair solution.
He ended his speech by criticizing what he called double standards at the UN and repeated Pakistan’s strong support for the Palestinian people.
“We will continue to raise our voice until justice is done, the occupation ends, and Palestinians achieve their full rights,” he said.
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