Islamabad favours withdrawal of Israeli forces from Arab areas: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Wednesday said Pakistan remains steadfast in its support to the Palestinian cause, wants a complete withdrawal of Israel from occupied Arab territories and establishment of independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Talking to the Foreign Minister of Palestine Dr Mahmood Al-Zahar, who called on him at the PM House, the prime minister said Pakistan attaches great importance to a secure and stable Middle East which cannot be achieved without a just solution to the Palestine issue.
He said international community needs to do more to facilitate an early resolution of this festering conflict.
Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan has consistently extended diplomatic, political and moral support to the Palestinian people since the inception of the conflict, which will be maintained till its resolution.
He said Pakistan and Palestine share friendship rooted in common faith and heritage which has generated a profound understanding and fraternity between the two countries. The prime minister said the electoral victory of Hamas and the consequent formation of the Hamas-led government is viewed by Pakistan as a democratic verdict of the Palestinian people which should be respected.
Pakistan hopes that Hamas would play a constructive role in carrying forward the peace process and bringing about a lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israel issue, the prime minister said.