ISLAMABAD – Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, addressed the National Assembly on Monday, unequivocally reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people. During a parliamentary debate on the ongoing crisis in Palestine, Minister Tarar emphasized the unified stance of the entire Pakistani nation in condemning the brutalities inflicted upon innocent civilians in Gaza.
Minister Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing demand for the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He underscored Pakistan’s consistent efforts in raising its voice against the Israeli actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories across all international platforms. Minister Tarar asserted that the actions perpetrated by Israel constitute war crimes and a violation of international law.
He commended South Africa for its courageous and principled decision to file a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), highlighting Pakistan’s active support for this legal pursuit. He noted that the Foreign Office had issued a clear policy statement denouncing the alleged genocide in Gaza.
“Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for the oppressed Palestinian people and will continue to raise its voice against injustice on every global forum,” Minister Tarar affirmed, emphasizing that the Palestinian cause transcends foreign policy, deeply resonating with Pakistan’s national identity and moral conscience. He stated, “Our bond with the holy land of Palestine runs in our blood.”
In line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, Minister Tarar reiterated the nation’s unwavering stance of non-recognition of Israel. He urged the House to transcend political divisions and stand united in support of Palestine and the people of Gaza.
Highlighting the government’s humanitarian initiatives, Minister Tarar reported the successful evacuation of over 200 Palestinian medical students from Gaza to Pakistan. He stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally ensured their safe passage following threats of airstrikes on medical colleges in Gaza. These students are now enrolled in Pakistani medical institutions and are being provided with comprehensive support, including hostel accommodation. Minister Tarar lauded the Ministry of Health for its crucial role in assisting these students and expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to them.
He also acknowledged the significant contributions of Pakistani civil society and religious organizations, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami and Al-Khidmat Foundation, for their efforts in dispatching multiple truckloads of essential humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing that “This is not about politics; this is about humanity.”
Minister Tarar recognized the collaborative efforts of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Pakistani embassies in Jordan and Egypt in facilitating the delivery of thousands of tons of relief goods to Gaza, overcoming significant logistical challenges and blocked land routes. He proudly stated, “Pakistan is among the few countries that managed to send large-scale aid through land routes via Jordan and Egypt.”
Underscoring the symbolic significance of the Pakistani passport, Minister Tarar noted its unique distinction of being valid for all countries except Israel, reflecting Pakistan’s principled foreign policy. “We are proud of our green passport,” he added.
Minister Tarar commended international media outlets, specifically Al Jazeera and Turkey’s TRT, for their courageous and vital coverage of the Israeli actions in Gaza. “Without Al Jazeera, many of us would not have fully understood the horrors faced by the Palestinian people,” he acknowledged, also paying tribute to the journalists who have tragically lost their lives while reporting on the conflict.
Minister Tarar pledged to ensure that footage of the day’s parliamentary proceedings would be shared with international media outlets, particularly Al Jazeera, so that the people of Palestine could witness Pakistan’s unwavering support. “We want them to know that Pakistan is not silent. The people of this country stand with them. As Minister for Information, I will ensure this message reaches them,” he assured the assembly.
