Islamabad: Pakistan and Iran have jointly condemned Israel’s military actions in the Middle East, particularly highlighting what they termed as genocidal actions against civilians and illegal measures in occupied territories. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during a joint news conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Islamabad following bilateral talks.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Israeli actions violate international law and the UN Charter, identifying these as root causes of tension in the Middle East. He reiterated Pakistan’s call for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Ishaq Dar rejected the notion equating the right to self-determination with terrorism, labeling it a tactic to prolong occupation and enforce apartheid policies. He stressed that longstanding issues, such as Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir, need peaceful resolutions respecting the aspirations of affected populations in line with UN resolutions.

The discussions with the Iranian Foreign Minister also covered enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, and border security. Both countries agreed to intensify collaboration on border management and address mutual challenges. They acknowledged terrorism and extremism as significant threats to regional peace and committed to joint efforts in combating these issues.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi commended Pakistan’s clear stance against Israeli aggression towards Iran. He clarified that while Iran does not seek escalation, it reserves the right to legitimate defense under the UN Charter. He also reiterated the commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan across various sectors, including economy, trade, politics, and culture.