National Assembly offers Fateha for slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

The National Assembly of Pakistan on Friday offered Fateha for the departed soul of Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas, who was assassinated in Iran earlier this week.

The prayer, led by Misbah Uddin at the request of Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, marked a solemn moment in the assembly, reflecting the nation's deep sorrow over Haniyeh's death.

In response to this tragic event, the government has declared a national day of mourning on Friday to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemn what they describe as Israeli state-sponsored terrorism in Palestine.

A joint declaration by allied political parties confirmed that funeral prayers in absentia for Haniyeh would be held after Friday prayers across the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a meeting with allied political party members, condemned the assassination as a barbaric act and a flagrant violation of international laws.

"The bloodshed in Palestine continues to claim innocent lives," said PM Shehbaz.

"The world is silent over this barbarism, despite clear verdicts from the International Court of Justice and United Nations resolutions."

He expressed gratitude to Western countries, such as Ireland and Spain, for their support of the Palestinian cause.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians, including relief goods and medical assistance.

The Pakistani government also decided to admit Palestinian medical students to colleges in Pakistan, providing financial support for their education.

The prime minister urged the international community to adopt a clear stance against Israeli actions, warning that silence would question the viability of international laws for future generations.

He called on the United Nations to intervene and stop what he described as a genocide of the oppressed Palestinians by Zionist forces.

Leaders from various political parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), attended the meeting to express their solidarity with the Palestinian cause.