Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while addressing the National Assembly, revealed that the government is in touch with an influential European country to secure the release of former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and other detained Pakistanis.
Dar stated that, according to available information, Mushtaq Ahmed was arrested by Israeli forces. He emphasized that Pakistan is making every effort to ensure the safe return of all its citizens. Since Pakistan has no direct diplomatic relations with Israel, efforts are being made through a third country.
Speaking about the Gaza peace plan, Dar said that Islamic nations had proposed a revised 20-point agenda, but the final draft included changes unacceptable to Pakistan. He reiterated that Pakistan’s stance on Palestine remains consistent with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam.
He further noted that during the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister raised Pakistan’s key issues and directly criticized Israel. However, he also acknowledged that the UN, European Union, and Arab states had failed to enforce a ceasefire in Gaza.
Regarding the agreement with Saudi Arabia, Dar stressed that it was a significant and carefully considered pact, initiated during the PDM government and finalized by the current leadership. He highlighted that other countries have shown interest in similar agreements and expressed confidence that Pakistan will not only be a nuclear power but also rise as an economic force leading the Muslim Ummah.
Dar clarified that journalist Shama Junejo’s name was not part of the official delegation list but only included in the speech-writing team, and the letter mentioning her did not carry his signature.
The National Assembly session was adjourned until 5 p.m. on Monday.
