The interim Afghan government has refused to accept aid from Pakistan for the earthquake victims, citing logistical difficulties and the lack of capacity to distribute the aid. However, the main reason is likely due to the ongoing tension between the two countries over the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Pakistan has also been deporting all illegal Afghan immigrants and imposing visa restrictions and import restrictions on Afghanistan.
The Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan expressed deep sympathy with its Afghan “brothers and sisters” and remains in contact with the Interim Afghan Government to meet any needs that they may have during the relief and recovery efforts.
She also condemned the “indiscriminate and disproportionate” use of force by Israeli authorities against civilian population in Gaza and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
She said Israel should immediately cease “indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza people and fulfill its obligations as an occupying power under international law, lift the blockade and allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
She noted that the current “cycle of aggression and violence” was a “sad reminder” and a direct consequence of over seven decades of “illegal foreign occupation, aggression, and disrespect for international law”.
Pakistan had been constantly warning against serious consequences of Israel’s escalatory and provocative actions in recent months.
She urged the United Nations to play a proactive role in facilitating a ceasefire to alleviate the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The international community must work in concert for a just, comprehensive and lasting two-state solution with a viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Peace in the Middle East will remain elusive in the absence of such a solution.
