Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met a Palestinian delegation led by Dr. Mahmoud Siddiqi Al-Habbash at the Parliament House, reaffirming Pakistan’s political and humanitarian support for Palestine, condemning Israeli actions in Gaza, and calling for international pressure to end the violence and ensure humanitarian access. The Palestinian delegation thanked Pakistan for its consistent solidarity, urged urgent aid for Gaza, and participated in Friday prayers and a sermon at the Parliament mosque.
During the meeting, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq welcomed Dr. Al-Habbash, described as the Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and expressed hope that Muslims worldwide would one day be able to pray at Al-Aqsa free from what he called Israeli aggression. He characterized the prolonged violence against unarmed Palestinians as a grave human tragedy and a clear violation of basic rights, noting that the National Assembly has repeatedly debated and passed resolutions on the Palestinian issue.
The Speaker highlighted growing protests in Europe against Israel’s actions and said he had raised the matter with regional and international figures, including the chairman of the Saudi Shura Council. He condemned what he described as the weaponisation of food aid and obstruction of humanitarian relief, calling the killings of civilians in Gaza a test of the global conscience. Emphasising Pakistan’s stance, he said the country stands firmly with the Palestinian people on moral, political and diplomatic fronts, and he thanked Palestinians for their solidarity during Pakistan’s recent floods.
Dr. Mahmoud Siddiqi Al-Habbash praised Pakistan’s “principled and unwavering” support for Palestine and said the people of Gaza deeply appreciate the nation’s solidarity. He called for urgent humanitarian assistance and stronger international pressure to stop the violence, and expressed optimism that with the backing of the Muslim world, Palestine will eventually be free. He also noted that the United Nations will convene a conference later this month on the two-state solution and expressed hope Pakistan will continue its support.
At Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s invitation, Dr. Al-Habbash delivered the Friday sermon at the Parliament House mosque, and the Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque led the congregational prayer. The service was attended by the Speaker, Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, former special assistant Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, members of parliament, and senior officials from the National Assembly and Senate secretariats.
