In call with JI chief, PM vows efforts to free Flotilla detainees
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the UN General Assembly in New York. From climate to conflict, his words sought to place Pakistan’s voice firmly on the world stage. Photo: AFP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan’s stance on Palestine is categorical and unwavering, adding that the government is also playing an 'active role' in ensuring the release of detained Pakistani citizens aboard the Global Freedom Flotilla.
The premier made these remarks during a telephonic conversation with Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Friday. Both leaders exchanged views on the Middle East crisis, the situation in Kashmir, and the detention of Pakistani nationals by Israeli authorities.
According to the PM's Office, Shehbaz underscored the importance of an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza, calling for an end to what he termed the “ongoing massacre of innocent Palestinians.” “Pakistan’s stance on Palestine is categorical and unwavering. We have always raised our voice for our Palestinian brothers and sisters at every global forum, and will continue to do so,” he said.
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Reiterating Pakistan’s long-held position, the premier emphasised support for a two-state solution, with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the Palestinian capital.
He added that eight Muslim countries were making “active and concerted efforts” to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. “We are hopeful these efforts will soon bear fruit, bringing peace as well as the long-awaited dream of an independent Palestinian state,” he said.
On the detention of Pakistanis aboard the Global Freedom Flotilla, including former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, the prime minister said the government was playing an “active role” in ensuring their release.
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“Pakistan does not recognise the Israeli state nor does it have diplomatic relations with it. However, we are in constant contact with friendly countries and international organisations to secure the safe return of our citizens detained by Israel,” he said, expressing confidence that the Pakistanis would be repatriated soon.
The two leaders also discussed the situation in Kashmir, with the premier affirming the federal government's commitment to 'playing its full role' in ensuring peace in the region.
Meanwhile, in a post on X, Rehman confirmed his conversation with the prime minister, saying he had urged the premier to “accelerate efforts” for the release and recovery of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. He said the prime minister informed him that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had been assigned this responsibility.
A short while ago, in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, I urged him to accelerate efforts for the release and recovery of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. The Prime Minister said that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been assigned this responsibility. We made it clear…
Calling the flotilla attack and arrests 'strongly condemnable,' Hafiz Naeem stressed that the matter was of national importance and not limited to JI. The JI leader also said he had conveyed to the premier his party’s and the nation’s strong reservations over US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan.
“Pakistan must remain firm on the demand for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Pakistan should not support any plan that ultimately strengthens Israel,” he stated.
On Kashmir, Rehman stressed the need for the government to handle the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir with caution. “We reminded the Prime Minister that Kashmiris love Pakistan, and any irresponsible attitude by the administration could harm both Pakistan and the Kashmir cause, and providing an opportunity for the enemy to exploit,” he said.
He urged the government to resolve the issue responsibly through dialogue, while ensuring that the views of a few individuals are not projected as representing the entire Kashmiri population.