KARACHI – The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) staged a peaceful demonstration outside the Karachi Press Club on Monday in solidarity with those participating in the “Solidarity Flotilla,” a mission aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged people of Palestine.

Protesters said the flotilla mission was a purely humanitarian initiative designed to provide relief to the oppressed and needy Palestinians. Speakers and participants noted that such efforts send a strong message to the international community that the people of Pakistan stand firmly with the oppressed.

HRCP representatives urged the government of Pakistan to extend full support to Pakistani nationals on board the flotilla and to take effective diplomatic measures to ensure their protection. Speakers also called on Pakistan to follow the example of Italy and other countries by dispatching its own vessels to help safeguard the aid mission.

Addressing the gathering, HRCP Chairman Jamshed Hussain categorically rejected US President Donald Trump’s so-called 20-point peace plan, calling it “an attempt to advance the project of Greater Israel.” He stated: “The Palestinians alone have the right to decide their future. No one else can impose a settlement on them.”

He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s welcoming of Trump’s statement did not reflect the will of the Pakistani people. “Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had declared Israel an illegitimate state, and the people of Pakistan continue to uphold that position. The government must keep Jinnah’s vision in view before issuing any policy statements,” Hussain said.

Speakers also lauded Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan and his team for their commitment to the Palestinian cause.