Pakistan condemns Israeli strikes, reaffirms support for Lebanon

PM Sharif to attend the 79th UNGA session, highlighting Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and global peace.

Pakistan has  reaffirmed its condemnation of Israeli airstrikes and reiterated its support for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on the illegal nature of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch in a weekly briefing called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and praised the United Nations General Assembly for endorsing the ICJ's opinion, co-sponsored by Pakistan.

The resolution, presented by the State of Palestine, highlights the urgent need for self-determination for the Palestinian people.

Israel, flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an October 7 attack last year by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.

The Israeli onslaught has since killed more than 41,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 93,000, according to local health authorities.

More than 11 months into the Israeli onslaught, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.

Talking about Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Pakistan strongly condemned the first phase of what it called a "farcical" local government election process held by New Delhi's  Occupation Forces in the region.

Pakistan reiterated that no electoral process under India's supervision carries any legal value in the eyes of international law.

Pakistan’s government continues to extend political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend 79th UN General Assembly

The FO spokesperson also stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to participate in the high-level segment of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York from 23rd to 27th September.

"During his address, Sharif will reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and express support for the United Nations’ efforts to foster global peace and security," Balochi added further saying that, "his speech will focus on long-standing issues on the global agenda, including the Palestinian and Jammu and Kashmir disputes."

The Prime Minister’s program includes high-level meetings on the existential threat posed by rising sea levels and an open debate on leadership for peace, according to details shared by the FO spokesperson.

Additionally, Sharif will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, the UN Secretary-General, and the President of the UN General Assembly.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will also attend the Summit of the Future, convened by the UN Secretary-General, along with other ministerial meetings, including the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers and the G77 Ministerial Meeting.

Pakistan-US dialogues and condemnation of terrorism in Lebanon

This week also saw diplomatic engagement with the United States, where Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass and Principal Assistant Secretary of State Elizabeth Hearst met with Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Iqbal.

The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including trade, energy, security, climate change, and counter-terrorism.

Pakistan condemned the recent terror attacks in Lebanon, where electronic equipment was used to cause explosions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that terrorism in any form is unacceptable and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the government of Lebanon.

Baloch further called for urgent international action to hold Israel accountable for its acts of terrorism and violations of international law, especially in the context of recent Israeli airstrikes targeting an UNRWA-run school in Gaza.

Pakistan hosts high-level Russian delegation amid strengthening bilateral ties

Talking about the high-level Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk that is currently on an official visit to Pakistan, the Pakistan FO spokes person shared details of the visitors meeting with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Iqbal on Wednesday.

The talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science and technology, and education, Baloch said. She added that both nations committed to continued consultations at multilateral forums like the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

The FO spokesperson added that, "This visit is part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, shared with Russian President Vladimir Putin, to transform Pakistan-Russia relations into a solid, mutually beneficial economic partnership. During the visit, Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange and the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange, a step towards deepening economic ties."

"Additionally, Pakistan also signed an instrument of accession to the MoU on the creation of international transport corridors involving Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan."