ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif this week vowed that Islamabad would remain steadfast in its support for the rights of Palestinians, as the world marked the beginning of the new Islamic year.
Pakistan has consistently criticized Israel for its military operations in Gaza and the Middle East. Israel has killed over 70,000 Palestinians in Gaza alone since Oct. 7, 2023 and has been accused of violating a fragile ceasefire in place with Hamas since last year.
Tuesday marked the beginning of the Islamic month of Muharram and with it, the advent of the new Islamic year 1448 AH. Sharif congratulated the nation and Muslims worldwide on the occasion, noting that the new year had begun shortly after a peace agreement was reached between the US and Iran.
“At the start of the new year, we renew our commitment to stand firmly in support of the rights of suffering people around the world, particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine and Indian-administered Kashmir,” Sharif was quoted as saying by his office on Tuesday.
Sharif hoped that the new year serves as a guarantor of peace and security, tolerance, mutual harmony, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of humanity worldwide.
He said the entire nation deserves congratulations for Pakistan’s efforts to broker peace between the US and Iran, which had become successful.
“The path of dialogue, understanding, and peaceful diplomacy reflects the teachings of Islam and the noble example of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him),” he said.
He called on the nation to pledge to promote honesty, hard work, mutual respect, tolerance, and national unity on the beginning of the new Islamic year.
“Through our character and actions, let us play a positive role in Pakistan’s development, stability, and prosperity.”
