ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that all Muslim countries must demonstrate unity among their ranks to confront Israel, warning that if the Muslim world does not unite today, then each one of them will be targeted eventually.
Speaking in a session of the National Assembly, Khawaja Asif said that a war is currently underway between Iran and Israel. He added that last night, Israel attacked Iran, targeting its military installations and martyring its military leadership. He emphasized that Israel is not acting alone in this situation.
He further said that Iran is a neighbouring country with which Pakistan has centuries-old ties and a historical relationship. “In this time of trial, we stand with Iran in every possible way. We will safeguard Iran’s interests. The Iranians are our brothers; their pain and grief are our own,” he said. “Israel has targeted Yemen, Iran, and Palestine. It is essential for the Muslim world to unite. If we remain silent today, then everyone’s turn will come.”
Khawaja Asif called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and urged all Muslim countries to unite against Israel. “Children are being martyred in Palestine while Islamic countries remain silent. A strong voice is rising against Israel around the world. Even the non-Muslim public in the West is protesting against Israel. Their conscience is awakening, but not that of the Muslims.”
He said Pakistan has firmly stood by its stance since day one: “We have not recognized Israel, nor established relations with it. In recent years, some Pakistani-origin individuals have traveled to Israel, but I won’t go into the details of how or with whose help they went.”
He emphasized that the unity of the Muslim world must now be visible. “Some Muslim countries have relations with Israel. These ties should be severed. Israel’s hands are stained with the blood of Muslims, and we must reject that hand. Muslim nations must formulate a collective strategy to confront Israel.”
Khawaja Asif remarked “When India attacked us, we crushed an enemy five times our size. Yesterday, Israel targeted Iran’s nuclear installations. Israel is not alone—it is being given all kinds of cover and support. Actions must now reflect the unity of the Islamic world.
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