Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, called for the global recognition of Palestine as an independent state and its full membership at the United Nations, during a high-level UN summit focused on advancing the two-state solution in the Middle East. The conference, which began on Monday, was co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France and gathered UN member states, observers, and regional actors for discussions on peace, security, humanitarian efforts, and reconstruction in Palestine.

Dar strongly urged for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, where over 58,000 people have been killed since October 7, 2023, as a result of Israeli military operations. He criticized the ongoing conflict as both a political failure and a moral stain that threatens international peace and security.

Emphasizing the need for Palestinian statehood, Dar welcomed France’s decision to formally recognize Palestine—expected to be announced during the UN General Assembly in September—and encouraged other nations to follow suit. France’s recognition would make it the first G7 country to do so, potentially triggering wider European support for Palestine’s statehood.

Currently, 147 of 193 UN member states have recognized Palestine, including a large majority from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as several recent additions from Europe and the Caribbean.

Dar also demanded unimpeded humanitarian access to Palestinian territories, including delivery of essential aid such as food and medicine, and the protection of humanitarian workers. He highlighted the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, the US, and Saudi Arabia in mediation and called for accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, stressing that impunity must end.

He further advocated for the revival of a credible political process to end Israel’s occupation and implement the two-state solution. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to assist Palestine through technical aid and capacity building in areas like education, health, public administration, and institutional development. He offered Pakistan’s participation in the Arab-OIC Plan and any future international protection mechanisms.

Concluding his remarks, Dar asserted that the occupation must end immediately, stating, “It is time for freedom, self-determination, and statehood for Palestine, with full UN membership as the key to lasting peace in the region.”

For any quarries  contact us