Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has said that the 20-point Gaza peace plan released by US President Donald Trump “does not belong to Pakistan”, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Briefing the National Assembly on Friday about the prime minister’s visit to the UN and the US, Ishaq Dar said he had already it clear that the 20 points that President Trump made public were not ours. “Changes were made to our draft. I have the record,” he said, adding “This is the end result, and there is no room for politicking.”
Dar firmly ruled out any deviation from Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s policy on Palestine, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering demand for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with Quds al-Sharif as its capital.
The foreign minister said that the eight Arab and Muslim countries had come together for a meeting on Gaza on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session. “During the meeting, there was no other agenda. Today I am telling you the details,” he said, adding that it was decided to keep the meetings “discreet”.
He further said that before the main meeting, a preparatory meeting of all the foreign ministers of the eight countries was held in New York, where the situation in Gaza was discussed.
He said that for his part, US President Trump took this positively and said his team would sit with the foreign ministers to find a “workable solution”. He said Trump also said that he was scheduled to meet Israeli PM Netanyahu soon, and to try and stop the bombardment of Gaza.
He said that Qatar’s embassy was the convener for these meetings, which were not released to the media. “President Trump’s committee also came and open talks were held on what they wanted. They gave us a 20-point proposal.”
Dar further said that the ministers took the proposal and decided to deliberate on it for the next 24 hours.
“Instead of making a completely new draft, we decided to remain within this framework and decided to either amend or delete points based on our wish list,” he said. “We held different meetings in the next 24 hours. We were exchanging hard copies in hotel rooms.”
He said that the final draft prepared by the eight countries, not just Pakistan, was then sent onward as a “counter draft”. He said that two hours after the Pakistani delegation left New York, he received a phone call where he was told that some countries wanted all eight foreign ministers to sign off on the document, while some were saying it was not necessary.
“This was a small thing in my eyes,” Dar said, adding that he asked the majority to make a decision in this regard. “By the time we landed at our next destination, I was told the American side had received the draft.”
He said that during Monday’s meeting between Trump and Netanyahu, a 20-point plan was announced. He said that he then spoke to the Saudi foreign minister, who said that the urgent points put forth by the eight countries were accepte,d but some things still required further engagement.
Quoting the Saudi minister, he said that at that point there were two choices: to continue and perhaps Israel will continue its bloodshed, or we let Trump’s plan be implemented and issue a joint statement.
“I said you are right, we should do this,” he said, adding that the statement was later finalised. Dar then proceeded to read out the joint statement issued on September 29.
He said that this was the only way to end Israel’s bombardment of Gaza when all other forums had failed. “Statements will not suffice. We need practical work,” he said, extending his thanks to the other countries involved.
Defence pact with Saudi Arabia
Regarding the strategic agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Dar stated that the pact clearly affirms that an attack on one country will be considered an assault on the other. He described it as a great honour for Pakistan to become part of the defenders of Harmain Sharifain.
Dar further disclosed that several nations, both Arab and non-Arab Islamic countries, have expressed interest in signing similar agreements with Pakistan.
He expressed confidence that Pakistan will one day lead the Islamic world. He emphasized that while Pakistan is already a nuclear and missile power, it must now strive to become an economic power as well, an ambition achievable only through collective effort.
Ex-Senator’s arrest by Israel
Addressing the arrest of former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan and other Pakistani citizens detained by Israeli authorities, Ishaq Dar explained that approximately 45 flotillas were carrying humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. He added that Mushtaq Ahmed Khan was detained from one of the 25 flotillas intercepted by Israel.
He assured the House that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the safe recovery and return of all detained Pakistanis, including Mushtaq Ahmed Khan.
He elaborated that Pakistan has engaged an influential European country to intervene in the matter and facilitate the safe repatriation of its citizens who were aboard the flotillas captured by Israeli forces. “Of the 45 vessels, they have captured 22 ships and detained all their passengers... According to our information, Senator Mushtaq sahib, who is a former senator from Jamaat-e-Islami... he is among them,” Dar said.
“We have engaged a European third country, which is influential, we are using their diplomatic process. We have asked them to contact there (Israel) and have our senator immediately released.”
Dar said the European country, which he declined to name, has assured them they would inform about the well-being of ex-senator Mushtaq Khan by Sunday. “I and the entire foreign ministry is engaged with them and we are trying to have all Pakistanis exited safe and sound and respectfully from there (Israel) as soon as possible,” he said.
PPP lawmakers walk out
The lawmakers belonging to PPP once again stage a walkout from the National Assembly session in protest against Punjab chief minister’s statement.
MNA Naveed Qamar said they could not be part of the proceedings until the issue is resolved. “We did raise objections in the last session and also resorted to boycott. But the situation is the same,” he added.
Ishaq Dar immediately tasked ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain and Azam Nazeer Tarar to woo them back which they did successfully.
Shama Junejo issue
In a heated exchange with Opposition members, Ishaq Dar responded to allegations regarding Shama Junejo’s inclusion in a United Nations delegation.
The controversy began after opposition members questioned Shama Junejo’s role, prompting Dar to deliver a detailed clarification.
Dar initially responded with a sharp, sarcastic remark, highlighting the absurdity of focusing on Ms Junejo, stating, “Even electric poles are installed, yet only the ‘Shama’ catches your attention.”
“The delegation is dispatched under the authority and signature of the Foreign Minister. We did not include Shama Junejo in the official list for that trip,” Dar clarified, distancing the government from any procedural oversight regarding her participation.
However, Dar acknowledged that while Ms Junejo was not part of the Foreign Ministry’s delegation, she was indeed part of another delegation. He explained that Prime Minister’s delegations often include a substantial number of staff, and Ms Junejo had been among them.
He further elaborated on the distinction between the two types of delegations, stating, “There is a specific delegation sent by the Prime Minister, which includes a range of officials and staff. Shama Junejo was a part of that group, alongside other individuals assisting with various responsibilities.”
Dar’s response aimed to put the controversy to rest, emphasizing that Junejo’s inclusion in the Prime Minister’s delegation was entirely legitimate, although not part of the official UN delegation managed by the Foreign Ministry.
He concluded by asserting that political narratives should not detract from the importance of the country’s diplomatic engagements.
Earlier, the House offered fateha for the departed souls of various people, including personnel of the security forces, who embraced martyrdom in defence of the motherland. Ali Muhammad Khan led the fateha.
The House will now meet on Monday at 5:00 in the evening.
Senate session adjourned
Presiding Officer Senator Sherry Rehman on Friday adjourned the Senate session until Monday at 4:00 pm due to a lack of quorum.
The quorum was pointed out by Senator Umer Farooq of Awami National Party.
Reporter Rozina Ali