Pakistan Reiterates Junagadh Issue as Unfinished Agenda

The ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the Junagadh issue have resurfaced in discussions between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan has reiterated that the Junagadh matter is viewed as an 'unfinished agenda,' akin to the situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This perspective was emphasized during a recent meeting between Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, and his British counterpart, Angela Rayner, in London.

During their meeting, Deputy PM Dar highlighted the importance of a robust partnership between Pakistan and the UK, which he believes is essential for advancing mutual interests in both bilateral and regional contexts. He congratulated Rayner on her recent appointment as the British Deputy Prime Minister and acknowledged the significant contributions of the British-Pakistani diaspora in strengthening the ties between the two nations.

In light of the devastating floods that struck Pakistan in 2022, Dar expressed a desire for collaboration with the UK on climate action initiatives. He emphasized the need for mobilizing international assistance for countries vulnerable to climate change. Furthermore, he pointed out that creating opportunities for the youth and enhancing trade and investment were shared priorities for both countries.

In addition to these discussions, Deputy PM Dar appreciated the UK's continued provision of duty-free access for Pakistani exports, which plays a crucial role in bolstering Pakistan's economy. The meeting also saw Rayner congratulating Dar on Pakistan's recent election to the UN Security Council, underscoring the positive impact of the British Pakistani community in fostering closer ties between the two nations.

On a different note, Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent assaults by Israeli occupation forces on refugee camps in Jenin and Tulkarm, located in the occupied West Bank. The FO spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, described these actions as a blatant violation of international laws and humanitarian principles. She stated, "Targeting individuals sheltered in refugee camps is yet another breach of international humanitarian law by the Israeli occupation forces, demonstrating their contempt for international law and basic tenets of decency and acceptable international behavior."

Baloch called for an immediate halt to these military operations, asserting that true peace cannot be achieved through aggression. She urged the UN Security Council to take decisive action to prevent further attacks on civilians and hold Israel accountable for its actions, emphasizing the need to protect the Palestinian people.

The discussions between Pakistan and the UK reflect a commitment to addressing pressing global issues, including climate change and humanitarian crises. As both nations navigate their diplomatic relations, the emphasis on shared interests and mutual support remains crucial. The situation in Junagadh and the ongoing conflict in Palestine serve as reminders of the complex geopolitical landscape that requires continued dialogue and cooperation among nations to foster peace and stability.