PM condemns Haniyeh's killing, demands Israel be held accountable

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led tributes to the late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, saying the entire Pakistan and the broader Muslim world mourned the loss.

In a heartfelt address to the National Assembly, Prime Minister Sharif condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and demanded that Israel be held accountable for it. He emphasized the need for international accountability and support for Palestinians.

He said Pakistan condemned all forms of terrorism, including extrajudicial killings. "Whoever is involved in this incident, the Zionist state must be brought to justice. The Zionist state reflects Israel's brutal actions," he stated. 

He condemned the “worst brutality” faced by Palestinians, expressed solidarity with them and described Palestine as a “slaughterhouse” where more than 40,000 people had been killed. "A large number of women have been martyred, and entire settlements have become graveyards." 

He asked when this injustice and cruelty will end and said everyone who believes in human rights is raising questions. “Today, the claims of universal justice are themselves found guilty." He said the Zionist regime has ignored every ceasefire appeal against the crimes against humanity. 

The PM further said that if the massacre of innocent people did not stop, no one would be able to contain the public anger. "Shutting eyes won't work any more," he remarked. 

PM Sharif said the entire Pakistan was observing mourning over the death of Ismail Haniyeh on Friday, adding that oppressed Palestinians will be given medical aid in Pakistan and Palestinian students admitted to medical colleges in the country. 

Funeral in absentia

Apart from different parts of the country, Ismail Haniyeh's funeral prayers in absentia were offered at Parliament House after the Friday prayers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also attended the funeral prayer at Parliament House, which were attended by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, members of the federal cabinet and parliament. 

Resolution passed unanimously

Before the PM's address, the usual proceedings of the National Assembly were suspended and a resolution was unanimously passed expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemning Israeli brutality. The resolution, presented by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar against the Israeli attack on Ismail Haniyeh, called for immediate action from the UN Security Council to halt the genocide and bring justice to those responsible for the violence.

The resolution also condemned all forms of terrorism and emphasized Pakistan's support for the Palestinian cause.

According to the text of the resolution, Israel is not halting its attacks on Palestinians, adding that Pakistan condemned Israeli aggression in Palestine. "Pakistan stands with its Palestinian brothers," it said further.