KARACHI: Prominent scholars, political leaders and civil society representatives have demanded an immediate end to Israeli aggression in Gaza, withdrawal of the occupation forces and restoration of aid supply to the oppressed Palestinians, calling it the only way forward to save humanity.

They expressed these views while speaking at the Palestine Solidarity Conference organised by the Palestine Foundation Pakistan.

They also supported Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Iraqi and Yemeni resistance forces and asked the government of Pakistan to play a practical role for the Palestinian cause.

A resolution passed by the conference also condemned the silent attitude of the federal government towards the plight of the Gazans.

Dr Sabir Abu Maryam of the Palestine Foundation presented a joint resolution, calling the US responsible for the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza.

“The aggression should be stopped immediately. With the end of the aggression in Gaza, all the Israeli occupying forces should leave Gaza. The provision of life support including food and medicine should be ensured on an emergency basis. A complete and permanent ceasefire should be established and the Muslim world and the world should play their role in rebuilding the destroyed houses and buildings,” he said.

Addressing the conference, Pakistan Peoples Party leader Senator Taj Haider said that the conference was representing the people of Pakistan and their thoughts about Palestine.

“The public opinion in the whole world is in favour of Palestine. The people of Pakistan are with their Palestinian brothers,” he added.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan’s Sahibzada Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair, said: “All possible aid should be given to the Palestinian people. The people are boycotting Israeli products. There has been a significant impact on their economy.”

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Rauf Siddiqui said that the criminal silence of the Islamic countries was regrettable. “Our rulers are afraid of the US government. No power can stop the freedom of Palestine,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2024