Pakistan joins ‘Board of Peace’ to contribute to peace in Palestine: Ahsan Iqbal 

Islamabad (Web Desk): Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said that Pakistan has joined the Board of Peace to actively contribute to efforts for peace in Palestine.

He made the statement during a joint sitting of Parliament while responding to remarks by Senate opposition leader Raja Nasir Abbas and Jamiat ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Explaining the rationale behind Pakistan’s decision, Ahsan Iqbal described it as a diplomatic success that allows the country to work alongside other friendly nations in promoting peace in Gaza.

He highlighted that this engagement provides Pakistan with an opportunity to protect the rights of Palestinians and support peaceful resolutions in the region.

The minister also reiterated that Pakistan’s policy on Palestine remains firm and unchanged.

He emphasized that Pakistan considers Israel an aggressor responsible for the bloodshed of innocent Palestinians and continues to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders.

Addressing concerns about national security, Ahsan Iqbal stated clearly that Pakistan’s sovereignty is not under threat.

Referencing last year’s May conflict, he reminded lawmakers that Pakistan’s armed forces had delivered a decisive blow to India, asserting that no one can challenge the nation’s security.

The Parliament also collectively expressed sorrow over the tragic fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza.

A resolution moved by Farooq Sattar conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the recovery of those injured.

It paid tribute to the courage of firefighters and urged the Sindh government to provide compensation to affected families and ensure rapid recovery for damaged businesses.

The resolution also called for increasing the number of firefighting stations in Karachi, with support from the federal government, to prevent similar disasters in the future.

During the session, three key bills were passed that included, the National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Daanish Schools Authority Bill, 2025; and the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2025.

Following these proceedings, the joint sitting of Parliament was formally prorogued.