New york: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has called for serious efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire and to ensure the unhindered flow of food, humanitarian aid, and medical assistance, alongside progress toward the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.

According to Radio Pakistan, in an interview with Arab News, Dar welcomed the joint initiative by France and Saudi Arabia to organize a three-day conference at the United Nations in New York, aiming to chart a path toward peace and a sovereign Palestinian state. He emphasized Pakistan's longstanding foreign policy stance that the two-state solution is the only answer to the Palestine problem.

Dar highlighted Pakistan's active role in providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, as well as Syria and Lebanon. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the Palestinian cause and their right to self-determination, advocating for the establishment of an independent and contiguous state of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders.

He also noted Pakistan's efforts to bring attention to the Palestine issue, collaborating with Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to voice support for Palestinians at international platforms like the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.

Drawing parallels with the Kashmir dispute, Dar mentioned Pakistan's engagement with international forums such as the OIC, G-8, and SCO to address issues related to both Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out India's violations of UN Security Council resolutions in the Kashmir dispute and highlighted similar issues in the Palestine conflict, emphasizing the need for respect for UN resolutions.

Dar stressed the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy over kinetic actions like wars and violence. He affirmed Pakistan's belief in a diplomatic approach to conflict resolution.

Dar also condemned the targeting of journalists covering the conflict by Israel, noting that they have been declared persona non grata and targeted, with many losing their lives. He called for an end to this situation, describing it as deeply unfortunate.