ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army’s top brass expressed concern at the deteriorating human rights conditions in Gaza on Tuesday, with the country’s army chief vowing support for Palestinian civilians and calling for an end to Israeli occupation of their territories.
The Gaza health ministry said on Monday that Israeli bombardment since Oct. 7 has killed over 2,750 Palestinians and injured over 9,700 people in the densely populated enclave. Israel says the bombardment is in response to a massive attack by Hamas fighters who stormed through Israeli towns on Oct. 7, killing 1,300 people and taking hostages.
The human rights situation in the Gaza Strip has deteriorated considerably after Israel imposed a blockade on the enclave last week. International agencies have warned that over a million people face dwindling supplies of water, food and fuel — even before a looming Israeli ground invasion.
Pakistan’s army chief General Syed Asim Munir presided over the 260th Corps Commanders Conference at the army’s headquarters in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. According to a statement issued by the army’s public relations wing, the commanders discussed the “enormous human cost” imposed on Palestinian civilians due to Israel’s use of force.
“The Palestinian people have unequivocal diplomatic, moral and political support of the Pakistani nation,” Munir was quoted as saying by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“And we will continue to support the principled stance of our brethren for enduring resolution of the Palestinian issue and end to the unlawful occupation of their territories and Muslims’ Sacred places.”
The army commanders’ huddle also discussed Pakistan’s economic situation, vowing to support the caretaker government’s “strategic initiatives” for economic revival.
Last month, Pakistan’s government launched a crackdown against currency hoarders and smugglers. The national currency gained strength against the US dollar last month after tens of millions of dollars poured back into the country’s interbank and open markets since raids on black market operators began on Sept. 6.
The raids took place after a meeting between Pakistan’s licensed currency dealers and Munir in September. As per reports, the dealers requested the army to take action rather than leave the situation solely to the civilian caretaker government.
“Pakistan Army will continue to provide all-out support to the government and LEAs [law enforcement agencies] in taking strict lawful actions against illegal economic activities across the country,” the army quoted Munir as saying.
“Actions against hoarding and smuggling mafias and cartels in different domains will be further strengthened in coming days to rid the country from the negative impact of such ill practices,” he added.
