Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Consultant, Advisor, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

In the tumultuous landscape of the Middle East, where conflicts often dominate headlines, Pakistan stands out as a beacon of peace and diplomacy. With a clear and unwavering commitment to fostering stability in the region, Pakistan has consistently played a constructive role in mediating disputes, promoting dialogue, and advocating for peaceful resolutions. Far from being a bystander, Pakistan has actively engaged with various stakeholders, offering its support and expertise to help navigate the complex challenges facing the Middle East.

One of Pakistan's most significant contributions to peace in the Middle East has been its diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation between conflicting parties. Pakistan has leveraged its relationships with key regional players, as well as its neutral stance on many regional issues, to act as a mediator and bridge-builder. For example, Pakistan has played a crucial role in facilitating talks between rival factions in Afghanistan, bringing together Afghan leaders to negotiate and work towards a peaceful resolution to the decades-long conflict.

Furthermore, Pakistan has consistently advocated for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. This principled stance has earned Pakistan respect and credibility in the international community, allowing it to effectively engage with various stakeholders in the Middle East and beyond. By championing these principles, Pakistan has helped create an environment conducive to dialogue and cooperation, laying the groundwork for sustainable peace in the region.

In addition to its diplomatic efforts, Pakistan has also provided tangible support for peacebuilding initiatives in the Middle East. Through its participation in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations, Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to promoting stability and security in conflict-affected areas. Pakistani peacekeepers have served in various hotspots across the Middle East, including Lebanon, Sudan, and the Golan Heights, where they have played a vital role in maintaining peace and providing humanitarian assistance to those in need.

Moreover, Pakistan has actively supported efforts to address humanitarian crises in the Middle East, providing humanitarian assistance and support to countries grappling with conflict and instability. Whether through bilateral aid or contributions to international relief efforts, Pakistan has consistently extended a helping hand to those in need, reaffirming its commitment to the principles of solidarity and compassion.

Pakistan's role as a peacebuilder in the Middle East is further underscored by its efforts to promote economic cooperation and development in the region. Recognizing the link between socioeconomic development and stability, Pakistan has advocated for initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, trade, and investment in the Middle East. By promoting economic cooperation and integration, Pakistan seeks to address the root causes of conflict and create opportunities for prosperity and shared progress.

Pakistan Makes a Strong Case at the International Court of Justice for Ending Israeli Occupation of the Palestinian Territories

 Pakistan presented its oral statement before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague today in context of the ongoing hearing on the “Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.” 

Pakistan’s inter-ministerial delegation to the hearing was headed by the Federal Minister for Law & Justice, Mr. Ahmed Irfan Aslam.

Delivering the oral statement on behalf of Pakistan, the Federal Minister for Law & Justice said that Israeli occupation continued to severely impede the exercise of the right to self-determination by the Palestinians. Through its illegal settlement policy, Israel is trying to create “irreversible facts on the ground;” perpetuate its illegal occupation; and deny access to the Holy places in Jerusalem. Israeli policies and practices amount to systematic racial discrimination and apartheid against the Palestinians. The ICJ would fail to discharge its judicial functions if it did not stop Israel from profiting “from its own continued grave wrongs.”

The oral hearing comes at a time when the Palestinians are facing a brutal onslaught from the Israeli occupation forces. In this backdrop, the Government and the people of Pakistan continue to express their unwavering solidarity with their Palestinian brothers and sisters at all international forums, including at the ICJ.

Pakistan has been calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, provision of sufficient, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance to the besieged people of Gaza, and the need for a just, comprehensive and durable solution through the establishment of a secure, viable, contiguous and sovereign State of Palestine on the basis of the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s military aggression against Rafah city in Gaza and the resulting destruction and massacre of the Palestinian people. 

Israel’s offensive in Rafah violates the provisional measures indicated by the International Court of Justice to protect the people of Gaza from genocide. It will further aggravate the humanitarian disaster witnessed in Gaza over the last 4 months and jeopardize the ongoing efforts for a potential ceasefire.

We urge the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to take urgent measures to bring an immediate end to Israeli aggression and its incessant crimes against humanity.

Pakistan's constructive role in promoting peace in the Middle East is a testament to its commitment to global peace and stability. Through its diplomatic engagement, support for peacebuilding initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and advocacy for economic cooperation, Pakistan has emerged as a trusted partner and mediator in the region. As the Middle East continues to grapple with complex challenges, Pakistan remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace, offering hope for a brighter and more peaceful future for all.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)