ISLAMABAD: Speaking at an emergency meeting of the Organisation of IslamicCooperation (OIC) ambassadors at the United Nations, Pakistan’s permanentrepresentative Maleeha Lodhi deplored the fact that one country had againblocked a unanimous call by the 14 other members of the Security Council toissue a statement calling for an independent investigation into the theviolence currently gripping Palestine.
She described a call by some countries for both sides to exercise“restraint” as a “disingenuous attempt” to equate the occupying power withthe Palestinians.
She stated that US’s decision to shift its embassy from Tel Aviv toJerusalem is a violation of international law and stands in contraventionof the UN Charter’s prohibition of the forcible acquisition of territory.The move also undermines any possibility of a two-state solution in theMiddle East.
On the other hand, Pakistan will observe Palestine solidarity day on May18, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi instructed.
A statement issued by the PM’s Office read, “Yaum-e-Yakjehti-e-Palestine”(Palestine Solidarity Day) aims at demonstrating complete solidarity withthe Palestinian brethren. On this day, special prayers will be offered forthe Palestinian people, who are affected by severe atrocities andbarbarism.”
The statement also read that the government and the people of Pakistanwould continue to support their Palestinian brethren and would presenttheir case at every forum.