Pakistan PM's aide meets UN chief, stresses need to oppose proposals for expulsion of Palestinians
ISLAMABAD: Tariq Fatemi, a special assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has stressed the need to oppose any proposals for the expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland, Pakistan's mission at the United Nations (UN) said on Saturday, following Fatemi's meeting with Secretary-General António Guterres.
During his meeting, Fatemi briefed the UN secretary-general about Pakistan's priorities during its term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council that began last month, according to the Pakistani mission.
He reaffirmed Islamabad's strong support for the UN's central role in addressing global challenges, including those related to peace and security, development and climate change.
'SAPM [special assistant to the prime minister] said that the world community should call upon Israel to end its brutal campaign of violence and terror against the hapless Palestinians,' the Pakistani mission said in a statement.
'[He] stressed the need for strongly opposing proposals for the expulsion of the Palestinians from their homeland.'
The development comes more than a month after remarks by United States (US) President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu about the relocation of Palestinians to Egypt, Jordan or other countries, which were rejected by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and other nations apart from being condemned by international rights groups.
Palestinian territory – encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem – has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Pakistan does not recognize Israel and has consistently called for an independent Palestinian state based on 'internationally agreed parameters.'
During the meeting, Fatemi also underscored Pakistan's longstanding commitment to adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, including UN peacekeeping efforts, according to the Pakistani mission.
'Secretary-General Guterres thanked the SAPM for Pakistan's active engagement at the United Nations and its role in maintaining international peace and security through its contribution toward UN Peacekeeping,' the Pakistani mission added.
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