ISLAMABAD: Pakistan condemned the “reckless” killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, expressing serious concern over what it described as increasing Israeli adventurism in the region.
Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli strike at his residence in Tehran, Iran’s capital, earlier today. Typically based in Qatar, Haniyeh had traveled to Iran to attend the yesterday sown-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
“Pakistan condemns the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Chief of the Political Bureau of Hamas, in Tehran today. We extend our condolences to his family and the people of Palestine,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
The ministry expressed deep shock over the timing of what it called a reckless act, noting that it coincided with the inauguration of the Iranian president, an event attended by numerous foreign dignitaries, including Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Dar led Pakistan’s delegation in the absence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who postponed his visit due to poor health.
“Pakistan views with serious concern the growing Israeli adventurism in the region,” the ministry added. “Its [Israel’s] latest acts constitute a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region and undermine efforts for peace.”
The ministry reiterated that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including extrajudicial and extraterritorial killings, regardless of the motives.
