Pakistan welcomes Hamas response

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Saturday welcomed Hamas' response to the plan announced by US President Donald Trump.

"This offers an important opportunity to secure an immediate ceasefire, end the bloodshed of innocent Palestinians in Gaza, release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, ensure unhindered humanitarian assistance and pave the way for a credible political process toward lasting peace. Israel must immediately cease attacks," the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press statement.

Pakistan appreciated the efforts of President Trump for peace in Gaza and sincerely hoped that it would result in a durable ceasefire and a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.

Pakistan would continue to contribute constructively and meaningfully to this process, it was reiterated.

The spokesperson further reaffirmed Pakistan's principled support for the Palestinian cause and stands in complete solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination leading to the establishment of a sovereign, viable and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that statement issued by Hamas created a window for a ceasefire and ensuring peace that they must not allow to close again.

"Alhamdolillah, we are closer to a ceasefire than we have been since this genocide was launched on the Palestinian people. Pakistan has always stood by the Palestinian people and shall always do so," the prime minister said in a post on his X account.

He also expressed gratitude to US President Trump, as well as to leaderships of Qatar, Saudia Arabia, UAE, Turkiye, Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia who, met with President Trump on the sidelines of the recent UNGA session for the resolution of the Palestinian issue.

The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan would continue to work with all its partners and brotherly nations to everlasting peace in Palestine.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan has always stood by the Palestinians in their struggle for rights and will continue to support them in the future as well.

The prime minister expressed these views during a telephonic conversation with President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday.

Both leaders discussed the recently signed defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman termed the agreement historic and appreciated it, saying that it was a matter of great honor for Pakistan to be entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the Haramain Sharifain.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the Middle East and the situation in Gaza. They highlighted the importance of lasting peace in Gaza and acknowledged Pakistan's significant role in peace efforts.

Referring to Hamas's recent statement on a ceasefire, the leaders described it as a rare opportunity to pave the way for peace in the region and to halt the genocide of Palestinians.

"A ceasefire in Gaza will prevent the massacre of innocent and defenseless Palestinians and will help realise the longstanding dream of establishing a Palestinian state," Prime Minister Shehbaz said.

He further emphasized that peace in the Middle East is of utmost importance for progress and prosperity of the people of the region.