Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has once again clarified Pakistan’s position on the issue of Palestine and Jerusalem, saying that unilateral change in the historical and legal status of the holy sites is unacceptable.
He urged the international community to intensify practical diplomatic efforts to protect the current status of Jerusalem.At a ministerial meeting hosted by Jordan in New York, Ishaq Dar discussed the situation of Al-Aqsa Mosque and occupied East Jerusalem.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the meeting was part of the ongoing contacts between Arab and Islamic countries on Palestine. Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people on this occasion.
The Foreign Minister said that attempts to change the status of occupied East Jerusalem and the holy sites should be rejected. He also supported the special authority of the Jerusalem Department of Endowments and Al-Aqsa Affairs in matters of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Pakistan has previously stressed the need to maintain the religious and historical status of Jerusalem.Ishaq Dar also highlighted the need to implement the Security Council resolutions on the Gaza peace plan.
He said that continuous efforts are necessary at the international level to ensure the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
Pakistan’s position is that the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state is essential for a lasting solution.
Ishaq Dar reiterated his support for the establishment of such a state on the basis of the pre-1967 borders and for making Al-Quds Al-Sharif its capital.
This position has come at a time when the issue of Palestine is also among the central diplomatic topics in the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Pakistan has held several meetings with Arab and Islamic countries in New York on the issue of Palestine. On September 22, Ishaq Dar also attended a ministerial meeting of eight Arab and Islamic countries.
Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan will continue to cooperate with Arab and Islamic countries for the rights of the Palestinian people. The protection of holy sites, Palestinian right to self-determination and the two-state solution are central to his stance.
This series of Pakistani diplomatic activities is continuing during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar has represented Pakistan in various ministerial meetings in New York on Palestine, Kashmir and other regional issues.
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