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Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Senator Irfan-Ul-Haque Siddiqui, strongly condemned a U.S. proposal suggesting the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. In a committee meeting held at the Parliament House, the members resolved to draft a resolution opposing the U.S. government’s proposal, intending to present it in the Senate for approval.
According to a statement by Senate of Pakistan, the proposal, which involves relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, was highlighted in a briefing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Senator Siddiqui probed the Pakistani government’s response and emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to reject the proposal, questioning the involvement of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the matter.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the committee that the OIC, in collaboration with the Arab League, plans to hold a joint summit to counter the U.S. plan. The committee expressed support for the ministry’s recommendation to draft a condemning resolution, which will be introduced in the Senate’s upcoming session.
The committee’s stance comes amid escalating violence in Gaza, resulting in significant loss of life. Since the conflict’s start on October 7, 2023, at least 61,709 people have died in Gaza, including 17,492 children, with over 111,588 injured. In the West Bank, 905 people have died, including 181 children, with more than 7,370 injured.
Highlighting persistent ceasefire violations by Israeli forces, the committee noted the worsening humanitarian crisis. Senator Siddiqui called for a united stance on the Palestinian issue and urged international protection for innocent lives.
The committee also discussed the January 19, 2025, ceasefire agreement, reporting the exchange of 18 Israeli captives and 550 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, 33 Israeli captives and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners have been released under a 42-day agreement.
Senator Rana Mehmood ul Hassan raised concerns about visa issues for certain Muslim countries, prompting the committee to seek a detailed briefing in the next meeting. The abduction of a Pakistani girl in South Africa was also addressed, with the committee urging expedited action and a report on the matter.
The committee received a briefing on comments by Richard Grenell, the U.S. Presidential Envoy for Special Missions, about Pakistani political figures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that these were personal statements, not requiring an official response.
Updates were provided on efforts to repatriate survivors of the Moroccan boat tragedy of January 2025, with 22 survivors and eight bodies returned. Coordination with Moroccan authorities continues for the remaining bodies, supported by a newly established Crisis Management Unit.
Agenda items on officer deputation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan-Afghanistan relations were deferred to the next meeting. The session was attended by several senators and officials, who provided briefings on various topics.
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