LAHORE: 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 Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday.
Both leaders discussed the recently signed defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Maulana Fazl 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 long-standing dream of establishing a Palestinian state,” the prime minister said.
He further emphasized that peace in the Middle East is of utmost importance for progress and prosperity of the people of the region.
Meanwhile, the prime minister welcomed the success of the negotiation process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the agreement reached between the government’s negotiation committee and the Joint Action Committee.
Paying tribute to the members of the negotiation committee, the premier lauded their individual and collective efforts, terming the development a “great achievement for Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.” He said that the restoration of peace and normalisation of the situation was a positive development. “Conspiracies and rumors have finally come to an end, and all matters have been resolved amicably, Alhamdulillah.” The prime minister also thanked the members of the Joint Action Committee for their role in the successful talks and congratulated them on the restoration of peace.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, he said, “The government is always ready to resolve the issues of our Kashmiri brothers. Public interest and peace are our priority and we will continue to serve Azad Jammu and Kashmir.” He urged the AJK people to avoid paying heed to rumours and assured them that their rights would always be protected.
“We have always been the protectors of the rights of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters and will continue to safeguard their rights in the future as well,” he said.
The prime minister emphasized that his government had always given special attention to the issues of the AJK and resolved them on a priority basis.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif visited Jati Umra where he met his elder brother, former prime minister and PMLN President Nawaz Sharif.
During the meeting, the prime minister briefed Nawaz Sharif on his recent foreign visits and provided a detailed update on the situation in the AJK, including the outcome of successful negotiations there. Meanwhile, at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to Malaysia from 5-7 October 2025.
According to the Foreign Office, he will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the deputy prime minister/foreign minister, federal ministers and senior government officials.
