Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza during his speech at the 16th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
He drew a historical parallel between Israel's actions and those of Pharaoh, emphasizing the similarities in targeting innocent children. Kakar urged ECO member countries to unite in holding Israel accountable for its continuous and deadly attacks on the Palestinian people.
In his comprehensive address, PM Kakar highlighted the Gaza humanitarian crisis, denouncing the killing of children and women, as well as the targeting of hospitals. He also discussed the challenges and opportunities for regional economic cooperation in the post-COVID-19 era, the summit's central theme.
Referring to the historical context, Kakar likened the elimination of children in Gaza to the ancient story of Pharaoh's atrocities during the time of Moses. He expressed his concern that those who claim to follow Moses are now following the path of Pharaoh.
Kakar emphasized that the Israeli bombardment in Gaza is a condemnable act that warrants international condemnation. He called for the conflict's resolution to align with the resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The prime minister urged member countries to support a ceasefire and advocate for the provision of humanitarian aid while working together to hold Israel accountable.
He also urged the international community to establish a humanitarian corridor to assist the vulnerable people of Palestine. Additionally, Kakar raised awareness of ongoing Indian atrocities in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and called on ECO countries to support the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of self-determination.
Kakar addressed the issues of intolerance, violence, and xenophobia, urging ECO members and the global community to establish legal measures to combat Islamophobia while promoting mutual respect, harmony, and coexistence.
The Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Caretaker Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz, and Caretaker Communications Minister Shahid Ashraf Tarar accompanied the prime minister at the summit held at the Tashkent Convention Centre.
PM Kakar is currently on a two-day visit to Uzbekistan, primarily to participate in the summit and engage with leaders from various countries to discuss opportunities for mutual cooperation.
