By Ghulam Haider Shaikh
Pakistan’s firm rejection of Israel’s plan to annex the occupied West Bank reflects not only its enduring moral stance but also its unwavering commitment to international law and the rights of the Palestinian people. At a time when several global powers remain silent or selectively vocal about Israeli aggression, Islamabad’s clear opposition sends a message that moral principles must not be traded for political convenience.
The proposed annexation of the West Bank represents a flagrant violation of United Nations resolutions and the very spirit of the two-state solution, which has long been considered the only viable path to peace in the Middle East. By declaring the plan illegal and unacceptable, Pakistan has joined the ranks of nations that continue to uphold justice for a people who have suffered displacement, occupation, and systematic marginalization for over seven decades.
This stance is not new; Pakistan’s position on Palestine has remained consistent across governments and generations. From diplomatic forums to humanitarian aid, Islamabad has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Palestinian cause. The latest development, however, comes at a time of shifting geopolitical realities in the region, with some Muslim countries normalizing ties with Israel under the banner of pragmatism. Pakistan’s refusal to accept the West Bank annexation therefore underscores its resolve not to compromise on fundamental principles for political expediency.
What Israel describes as a “security measure” is, in essence, a land grab, a continuation of its long-standing policy of settlements, displacement, and demographic manipulation. Annexing the West Bank would not only destroy any remaining hope for a sovereign Palestinian state but also embolden further violations under the guise of legality. Such actions erode the credibility of international institutions and weaken the already fragile trust between the Muslim world and Western diplomacy.
Pakistan’s response must also be seen in the broader context of the Arab and Islamic world. As nations debate normalization and strategic cooperation, Islamabad’s voice serves as a reminder that no sustainable peace can emerge from injustice. True stability in the Middle East will remain elusive as long as the Palestinian question is ignored or sidelined for political gain.
In reaffirming its opposition, Pakistan has done more than issue a statement,it has taken a principled stand in defense of humanity. The world would do well to remember that silence in the face of occupation is complicity.
Lifting the Ban, Relief for Province
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s demand to lift restrictions on the transportation of wheat and flour is both urgent and justified. In a country where food insecurity continues to haunt millions, such bureaucratic hurdles only deepen public frustration and amplify regional inequalities. KP’s call is, at its core, a plea for economic fairness — the right to access and distribute essential commodities without being hindered by federal red tape or inter-provincial politics.
The ban on wheat and flour movement was initially imposed to curb smuggling and stabilize local prices, but its prolonged enforcement has led to unintended consequences. Flour mills in KP have faced supply shortages, prices have soared, and the working class has been forced to bear the brunt of policy indecision. It is neither sustainable nor equitable to punish an entire province for the misdeeds of a few profiteers. Food supply chains are the lifeline of any economy, and disrupting them undermines both governance and public confidence.
Moreover, KP’s geographic reality must be recognized. The province is not just a consumer but also a key transit route for goods moving toward northern regions and border areas. Restricting wheat transport there means paralyzing trade routes that support countless livelihoods. The current policy not only weakens market stability but also risks creating a black market, an outcome that benefits smugglers rather than citizens.
If Pakistan is to ensure true national cohesion, then economic cooperation between provinces must replace distrust. The federal government should engage KP’s administration in meaningful dialogue to establish transparent monitoring systems, rather than imposing blanket prohibitions. Technology-driven tracking, coordinated supply audits, and fair quota systems can prevent hoarding while maintaining an uninterrupted flow of food commodities.
Lifting the ban is not just an administrative decision; it is a moral imperative. At a time when inflation continues to erode purchasing power, ensuring the steady availability of basic food items is a shared responsibility. Pakistan cannot afford to politicize hunger, not when its citizens already pay the price of every policy misstep.
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