ISLAMABAD: Pakistan condemned on Wednesday Israeli military’s attacks on Gaza and said it was deeply concerned at the recent escalation of violence and loss of lives in the city.

“Pakistan supports the international community’s efforts in bringing about a cessation of unilateral Israeli strikes killing Palestinians, including women and children,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said in a statement.

She said Pakistan consistently supported the Palestinian cause, especially a two-state solution which paved the way for a viable, geographically contiguous Palestinian state, created on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

The statement came a day after the Israeli attacks killed at least 17 people and left over 100 injured. An eight-year-old boy wounded in the attacks later succumbed to his injuries.

Afghan elections

In another statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan supported a peaceful democratic transition in Afghanistan.

“Pakistan has extended all possible support to the efforts aimed at holding peaceful elections. In this regard, we took several measures to enhance vigilance and security along the border, during the first and second round of elections on April 5 and June 14. Pakistan has also consistently emphasised that it will respect the democratic choice of the Afghan people,” the statement said.

Pakistan has, from the outset, maintained that the Afghan presidential elections are an Afghan affair, with Afghan electoral institutions in the lead.

“We have seen the announcement by the Independent Election Commission regarding preliminary results of the second round and noted the statement that these are not final. It is our earnest hope that all related issues will be resolved peacefully, through dialogue, in a timely manner and within the framework of Afghanistan’s constitution and laws,” the FO spokesperson said.

A peaceful, stable, unified and prosperous Afghanistan is vital for regional peace and stability.

At this crucial juncture in Afghanistan, when the country is going through multiple transitions, Pakistan remains in strong solidarity with the brotherly people of Afghanistan.

“We would continue to support all endeavours that help advance the cause of peace, stability and development in Afghanistan,” she added.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2014