ISLAMABAD: Pakistan warned that any form of aggression against Pakistan will be responded to decisively, following recent tensions at the United Nation Security Council over Israel’s recent attack on Qatar.
During the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan addressed questions about Israel’s airstrike on a residential area in Doha, which resulted in six fatalities. He also responded to Netanyahu’s comparison of this action with the 2011 US operation that eliminated Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.
Khan condemned Israel’s strike, describing it as a reckless act that undermines international peace and regional stability. He emphasized that Pakistan does not take kindly to accusations from “perpetrators of genocide,” and closely monitors developments in the Middle East, Pakistan’s neighboring region. “Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself against any external threats,” Khan stated, reaffirming the country’s status as a responsible nuclear power committed to peace and stability in the region. However, he warned that any aggressive move or threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be met with a firm and resolute response.
He also criticized Israel’s violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and breach of international laws, noting that the strike was aimed at Hamas leaders engaged in negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire mediated by the United States. Qatar’s role as a key mediator in regional peace efforts was highlighted as being undermined by Israel’s actions.
At the UN Security Council, Pakistan’s ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad condemned Israel’s assault as “illegal and brazen,” rejecting Israel’s attempt to justify its actions by referencing the US raid on bin Laden, which Ahmad dismissed as “ludicrous.” He called for accountability for Israel’s violations of Qatar’s sovereignty.
Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Qatar, expressing solidarity with its leadership and people, and condemned the attack as a serious breach of international law. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had recently visited Doha to convey Pakistan’s concerns and support.
Furthermore, Pakistan has requested an emergency Security Council session to address the situation in the Middle East, at Qatar’s behest. The country also welcomed Qatar’s plan to host an Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit on September 15, and expressed its willingness to participate through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Khan concluded by stating that Pakistan is actively preparing a delegation to attend the summit, reaffirming its commitment to regional unity and diplomatic efforts to address ongoing conflicts.
