ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Thursday announced his government’s move to ban New Year celebrations in solidarity with the people of Palestine, as Israel continues its relentless military campaign in Gaza.
Israel has killed over 21,000 Palestinians in Gaza since Oct. 7, according to official figures from the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel’s air and ground attacks have drawn sharp criticism from Muslim countries around the world, including Pakistan, and increased calls for an immediate cease-fire.
In an exclusive video message, Pakistan’s prime minister condemned Israel’s actions in Palestine, saying that Islamabad had repeatedly called for a cease-fire in the Middle East.
“Keeping in mind the extremely concerning situation in Palestine, and to express solidarity with our oppressed Palestinian brethren, there will be a complete ban by the government of Pakistan on any functions related to New Year,” Kakar said.
He urged the masses to express solidarity with the people of Palestine by welcoming the new year with simplicity.
Kakar said Pakistan has already sent two consignments of aid to Gaza and that a third would soon be sent as well.
Gaza’s spiraling humanitarian crisis has amplified calls for an end to the hostilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed to keep up the campaign to destroy Hamas.
Gaza’s 2.4 million people have suffered severe shortages of water, food, fuel and medicines, with only limited aid entering the territory.
An estimated 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced, the UN says.
Pakistan bans New Year celebrations in solidarity with Palestine
https://arab.news/9pjtz
Pakistan bans New Year celebrations in solidarity with Palestine
- Prime Minister Kakar urges Pakistanis to welcome new year with simplicity in solidarity with Gaza
- Israel’s relentless military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the killing of over 21,000 Palestinians
Pakistan leaders wish Saudi King Salman well after hospital admission for tests
- Pakistani PM and President express concern, pray for the King's swift recovery
- The official Saudi media has not shared the nature of the King’s visit to the hospital
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s prime minister and president on Friday expressed concern over the health of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz, offering prayers and well wishes after state media said he had been admitted to hospital in Riyadh for medical examinations.
The Saudi Press Agency reported the King was undergoing medical tests at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, with no further information regarding the nature of the visit or his medical condition.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistanis held the Saudi King in high regard and were praying for his recovery.
“Deeply concerned by the news that Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is admitted in hospital for medical tests,” he said. “The people of Pakistan hold His Majesty in the highest esteem. We join our Saudi brothers and sisters in praying for His Majesty’s swift and complete recovery.”
President Asif Ali Zardari also conveyed his wishes, saying the entire Pakistani nation was praying for the Saudi King’s health and well-being, according to a statement issued by the presidency.
Pakistan has longstanding diplomatic and institutional ties with Saudi Arabia, and its leadership has consistently expressed deep respect for the Saudi royal family, particularly in view of the Kingdom’s religious significance and its role in the Muslim world.
