ISLAMABAD: The opposition parties have strongly criticized the government’s decision to join the Gaza Peace Board, demanding that the matter be brought before Parliament for discussion and approval.
During a session of the National Assembly, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar said that the Prime Minister welcomed the Gaza Peace Board initiative without consulting Parliament, calling it a serious oversight. He questioned the terms and conditions under which Pakistan joined the board and insisted that the government must explain its position to the House.
Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser announced that PTI disassociates itself entirely from the decision.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman termed Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza Peace Board a highly sensitive issue. He alleged that joining the board was merely an attempt to gain favor with former US President Donald Trump.
Addressing the assembly, he questioned whether the government had even taken the federal cabinet into confidence and asked if the board undermines the role of the United Nations and the UN Security Council by acting as a parallel body.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman further stated that Pakistan’s foreign policy often appears to be shaped under international pressure, stressing that while Palestinians are facing extreme hardship, Pakistan must ensure its own policy decisions remain principled and transparent.
Responding to the criticism, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that decisions are made in line with national interest and the collective interests of the Muslim world.
He explained that Pakistan joined the Gaza Peace Board to support Gaza’s reconstruction and to push for a permanent ceasefire, urging political parties to move forward with consensus on the issue.
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