President, PM reaffirm Pakistan’s support for sovereign, viable Palestinian state 

Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just struggle for self-determination, freedom and dignity.

In his statement, President Zardari said the occasion serves as a painful reminder of the tragic events of 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced out of their homes and homeland, beginning a long period of suffering and displacement.

The president noted that the Nakba is not just a historical memory for Palestinians but an enduring crisis that continues through occupation, forced evictions, loss of land, and the denial of basic rights.

He urged the international community to maintain its support for Palestinians, particularly those living as refugees.

Asif Ali Zardari said the right of return for Palestinian refugees, recognised under Resolution 194, has yet to be implemented and must be respected.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also renewed Pakistan’s strong commitment to supporting the establishment of a sovereign, independent, sustainable and territorially connected Palestinian state within the pre-June 1967 boundaries, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

In a statement posted on X, he said, “As our Palestinian brethren mark the 78th solemn anniversary of Nakba, we remember the enduring suffering and displacement of the Palestinians from their homeland since 1948.”

“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,” PM Shehbaz added.

As our Palestinian brethren mark the 78th solemn anniversary of Nakba, we remember the enduring suffering and displacement of the Palestinians from their homeland since 1948. On this solemn occasion, Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 16, 2026