• President Zardari says Nakba remains an ongoing reality, marked by occupation, displacement and denial of rights
• PM Shehbaz reaffirms country’s stance on Palestine, calls for immediate ceasefire
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called upon all nations to uphold international law, support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, hold Israel accountable for its actions, and work collectively for a just, lasting, and comprehensive solution to the question of Palestine.
“Pakistan reiterates its urgent call for an immediate, unconditional, and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, and accountability for Israel’s actions,” said President Asif Ali Zardari on the occasion of Nakba Day.
He said Pakistan would continue to support the establishment of a viable, independent, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on internationally agreed parameters of the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The president reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people until their inalienable rights are realised, including their right to self-determination and statehood.
On Nakba Day, the people of Pakistan reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle for self-determination, freedom, and dignity, Mr Zardari said.
The day is a solemn reminder of the events of 1948 that led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes and lands, resulting in prolonged suffering. For the Palestinian people, the Nakba is not a closed chapter of history; it remains a continuing reality marked by occupation, displacement, dispossession, and denial of rights, he said.
Pakistan has consistently stood by the Palestinian people and continued to raise its voice for their legitimate and inalienable rights at the United Nations and other international forums.
“Pakistan’s position is guided by the principles of justice, international law, and relevant United Nations resolutions.”
“On this solemn day, Pakistan calls upon the international community to ensure continued support for the Palestinian people, particularly Palestinian refugees. The Right of Return of Palestinian refugees, as affirmed in Resolution 194, remains unfulfilled and must be upheld,” President Zardari urged.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan reaffirms its resolute support for the creation of a sovereign, independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
In a post on X, he said, “As our Palestinian brethren mark the 78th solemn anniversary of Nakba, we remember the enduring suffering and displacement of Palestinians from their homeland since 1948.”
He added, “On this solemn occasion, Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We demand an immediate end to the oppression, occupation, and violence being perpetrated by Israeli occupation authorities against Palestinians.”
Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2026