President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their inalienable right to self-determination.

Their messages were released as Pakistan joined the global community in observing the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on Saturday. The day has been marked every year on November 29 since its adoption by the UN General Assembly in 1977.

Both leaders reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing stance on the Palestinian cause and urged the international community to intensify efforts to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other occupied territories.

In his message, President Zardari said Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic, humanitarian, and moral support to the Palestinian people. “We reiterate our unwavering support for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” he stated.

He paid tribute to the resilience and courage of the Palestinian people, saying they were writing a new chapter in history with their steadfastness despite immense challenges. President Zardari said Pakistan values its deep and historic ties with the State of Palestine.

“Pakistan stands firmly with the Palestinian people. Our support is rooted in universal values of human dignity, fairness, and justice. The bond between the people of Pakistan and Palestine is one of affection and mutual respect,” he said, adding that Pakistanis have always stood shoulder to shoulder with their Palestinian brothers and sisters, even in the gravest of times.

He noted that Pakistan’s support for Palestine predates its own creation—pointing out that the 1940 Lahore Resolution included a clause expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine.

President Zardari condemned Israeli atrocities in Gaza and said Pakistan has consistently raised its voice against these actions at global forums. He reiterated the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid, protection of civilians, and accountability for war crimes committed by Israeli occupying forces.

He added that Pakistan has actively supported efforts at the UN, OIC, ICJ, and NAM to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people. He also highlighted Pakistan’s constructive engagement in the Gaza Peace Deal, expressing hope it would help end the suffering caused by Israel’s aggression.

“May the resilience of the Palestinian people awaken the conscience of the world. It is my earnest desire to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque alongside my Palestinian brothers one day, Inshallah,” he concluded.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.
“With unwavering resolve, the government and people of Pakistan stand with our brothers and sisters in Palestine,” he said.

He noted that more than 70,000 Palestinians—men, women, and children—have been martyred in Gaza in recent years due to relentless violence. Entire neighborhoods, families, and essential infrastructure such as homes, hospitals, and schools have been destroyed, he added.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said there must be full accountability for the war crimes and genocidal acts committed against Palestinians in accordance with international law.

He termed the recent high-level conference on the two-state solution and the Gaza peace plan a real opportunity, stressing that the ceasefire must endure. He urged Israel to cease all violations and allow unhindered humanitarian access, while calling for UNRWA to be fully enabled to resume its critical operations without political obstruction.

He also called for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza, saying the Palestinian people deserve lasting peace and prosperity.

The prime minister warned that while the world focuses on Gaza, the deteriorating situation in the West Bank must not be ignored. He condemned the continued expansion of illegal settlements as a blatant violation of international law and a key obstacle to peace.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, he said the country remains committed to a just and comprehensive solution based on UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions—supporting Palestinians’ legitimate rights, including self-determination and the creation of an independent, viable, and contiguous state on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

“Today, and always, Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people. We support their struggle, their resilience, and their rightful aspiration for freedom, dignity, and peace,” PM Shehbaz concluded.