Islamabad, Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Palestine, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and acknowledging the sacrifices made by the Palestinian leadership, particularly the late Yasser Arafat.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the Speaker paid tribute to Yasser Arafat’s resilient struggle for Palestine’s freedom, emphasizing his enduring legacy in history. The Speaker highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing severe violations of international laws and human rights by Israeli forces. He noted the impact of the crisis on children, hospitals, and schools, and the resultant shortage of essential supplies like water, electricity, medicine, and fuel.

Speaker Ashraf emphasized the need for unity within the Muslim Ummah and adherence to the message of Allama Iqbal for the protection of the Haram. He expressed concern over the current situation in Palestine, calling it a test of conscience for the international community and civilized nations. Reaffirming Pakistan’s support, he stressed the unbreakable bond of brotherhood with the Palestinian people and Pakistan’s principled stance on establishing an independent Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Jerusalem as its capital.

The Speaker asserted that the resolution of the Palestinian issue is crucial for regional peace and that the freedom of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestine is the key to solving the crisis. He concluded by lauding the bravery and resilience of the Palestinian nation and praying for the assistance of the innocent and oppressed Palestinians.