DPM Dar urges collective response to Al-Aqsa violations

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has called for a unified and ongoing response to ongoing breaches of Al-Aqsa Mosque and efforts to shift the historical and legal framework in East Jerusalem's occupied territories. At a joint meeting of the Arab League and four Islamic nations at the United Nations in New York, Dar expressed concern over the situation and the need for concerted action.

The gathering was organized by Jordan to follow up on a prior meeting in Amman on August 5, with Pakistan participating as part of its efforts to align positions on issues in occupied Jerusalem. The deputy prime minister emphasized the importance of clearly defining the status of East Jerusalem and reasserted Pakistan's support for the Hashemite guardianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites.

He also emphasized Pakistan's backing for the jurisdiction of the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department over the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Dar urged the international community to aid in maintaining the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its sacred places, and pleaded with nations to oppose unilateral actions seeking to alter the city's character, identity, or status.

He also stressed the importance of persistent global focus on Jerusalem's developments and timely collective reactions to any breaches of the agreed-upon status quo. As part of his role, Dar reiterated Pakistan's backing for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and for the formation of a self-governing, sovereign, and contiguous Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

During a side meeting with Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi at the UN General Assembly, the two leaders discussed shared concerns and regional affairs, further pledging their commitment to enhancing Pakistan-Jordan relations.