Gaza Board of Peace: PM Shehbaz calls for establishment of independent, sovereign state of Palestine

Washington (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called on the world community to collectively support a meaningful and credible process that leads to Palestinian self-rule, stressing the urgent need for an independent, sovereign and geographically contiguous Palestinian state in line with the relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions.

Delivering his address at the opening session of the Peace Board, he expressed confidence that under the leadership of US President Donald Trump, sincere global efforts could pave the way for a fair and lasting solution to the longstanding Palestine issue.

The prime minister also acknowledged President Trump’s prompt and decisive role in helping secure a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, noting that the intervention likely prevented massive human losses in the region.

“You have truly proved to be a man of peace. And let me say, Mr. President, you are truly saviour of South Asia,” he remarked.

Commending the US president’s wider contributions to peace initiatives, Shehbaz Sharif said, “It’s a great honour, Mr. President, to attend this inaugural Board of Peace meeting in this holy month of Ramazan and may God reward you and make you successful in your efforts to bring lasting peace in Gaza.”

He added, “Mr. President, we deeply appreciate your unique initiative and your dynamic leadership in advancing peaceful solutions to conflicts across the globe,” and observed, “The bold diplomacy of President Trump has surely brought calm to many international serious hot spots.”

Reflecting on the significance of the moment, he stated, “And today is a day which will mark a place in the annals of history, that through your efforts, through your untiring support and great efforts, long-lasting peace in Gaza will be achieved. It will be your legacy for all time to come.”

Turning to the humanitarian situation, the prime minister said, “The people of Palestine have long endured illegal occupation and immense suffering.

And to achieve long-lasting peace, it is very important that ceasefire violations must end to preserve lives and advance reconstruction efforts.”

He underscored that any sustainable resolution must empower Palestinians to determine their own future, reiterating, “The people of Palestine must exercise full control of their land and their future in line with UN Security Council resolutions.”v