Pakistan on Sunday strongly denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's suggestion to establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaging in diplomatic outreach to his Iranian, Turkish, and Egyptian counterparts to discuss the evolving Middle East situation.
Following former US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to take control of Gaza, Netanyahu, in an interview with Fox News, asserted that the idea of an independent Palestinian state was no longer viable after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
His latest statement came on the heels of another controversial proposal that seeks to establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia.
In a strongly worded statement, the Foreign Office categorically rejected Netanyahu's proposal, calling it "irresponsible, provocative and thoughtless", condemning in unequivocal terms the statement made by the Israeli premier.
FM Dar stated that the Israeli remark was irresponsible, provocative and thoughtless, which was not only deeply offensive but also undermined and disregarded the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent State on their own historical and legitimate territory.
He said that Pakistan stood in solidarity with Saudi Arabia and commended its steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their just cause.
Any attempt to undermine Saudi Arabia's unwavering position and misrepresentation of its commitment to the Palestinian cause is deeply regrettable, the statement said.
Dar said Pakistan firmly believes that the Palestinian people have an inalienable right to establish an independent and sovereign state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
"Any proposal that seeks to displace or relocate the Palestinian people from their ancestral homeland is unacceptable and constitutes a blatant violation of international law, United Nations resolutions and the principles of justice and fairness," he added.
He said that the Pakistani government reiterates its unflinching support for the Palestinian cause and will continue to work closely with Saudi Arabia and other members of the international community to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people and to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
Pakistan urges the international community to denounce this provocative remark and hold Israel accountable for its continued attempts to undermine the peace process.
Meanwhile, Dar spoke to foreign ministers of Iran, Egypt and Turkey to discuss the evolving situation.
Dar discussed with them the evolving situation in Gaza. DPM/FM expressed Pakistan's steadfast commitment and support to the Palestinian people and for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
He expressed Pakistan's grave concern at the proposal calling for the displacement of Palestinian people and reiterated that Palestinian land belongs to the people of Palestine.
They agreed to support the convening of an Extraordinary OIC Ministerial meeting to deliberate upon this urgent and burning issue. They further agreed to maintain close contact in the days ahead.
In a telephone call with Iran's Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Dar exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East with a particular focus on the continuing plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
Commenting on the proposal to displace the people of Gaza, Dar termed it as deeply troubling and unjust.
He emphasised that the Palestinian land belongs to the Palestinian people and the only viable and just option is the two-state solution, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
Pakistan shall continue to support the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, he added.
He also conveyed Pakistan's support for convening an extraordinary OIC meeting of foreign ministers to deliberate upon this issue. The two ministers agreed to maintain close contact on these developments in the days ahead.
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