ISLAMABAD: Foreign Ministers from eight Muslim countries — Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkiye, Qatar, and Egypt — issued a joint statement on Sunday, welcoming Hamas’ positive response to US President Donald Trump’s peace proposal for Gaza.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the ministers also appreciated Trump’s call for Israel to halt its ongoing bombardment and his emphasis on implementing the proposed prisoner exchange deal.
They viewed the development as a step in the right direction toward achieving a ceasefire and tackling the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The statement highlighted Hamas’ willingness to hand over Gaza’s administration to a technocratic interim committee, a move that could pave the way for political stability and reconstruction.
The ministers called for immediate talks to iron out the details of the proposal and urged all sides to reach an understanding on how to put the plan into action.
They stressed the urgent need to end the war, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and prevent the displacement of Palestinians.
Emphasising the importance of protecting civilians, the foreign ministers warned against any action that could put Palestinian lives at risk.
They also pushed for the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza, unity between Gaza and the West Bank, a reliable security mechanism for all parties, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the rebuilding of Gaza.
In conclusion, the ministers reaffirmed their support for a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution — a vision that remains the cornerstone for peace in the Middle East.
PM Shehbaz embarks on Malaysia tour
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Kuala Lumpur on a two-day official visit to Malaysia on Sunday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi are accompanying him on visit to Malaysia.
The premier is undertaking the visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister will meet with his Malaysian counterpart, and delegation-level talks will be held between the two countries. Various agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in multiple sectors will also be signed.
Both the leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, IT and telecommunications, the halal industry, investment, education, energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy.
The visit will also include discussions on exploring opportunities for enhancing people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that he was undertaking an official visit to Malaysia 5-7 October on the invitation of dear brother Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“Greatly looking forward to a comprehensive exchange of views on our common desire to enhance trade & economic engagement as well as bilateral cooperation in various fields. Important global and regional matters will also be discussed. Pakistan Malaysia ties will continue to flourish. INSHALLAH,” the prime minister said in a post on his X handle.
