In response to pressure from protesters on the right wing, Pakistan's government labelled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a terrorist on Friday. They demanded that Netanyahu be held accountable for alleged war crimes against Palestinians.
Rana Sanaullah, adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on political and public affairs, issued this statement as part of an agreement with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a religious political party, to bring an end to their days-long sit-in on a major road outside the capital.
Last Saturday, a large gathering of TLP supporters near the capital protested against Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
They urged the government to label Netanyahu as a terrorist, boycott Israeli goods, and provide assistance to Palestinians. Following the demonstration, a group of protesters continued with a sit-in at a major interchange linking Islamabad to Rawalpindi, causing significant disruptions for commuters.
Pakistan has not established diplomatic or trade relations with Israel as it does not formally recognise the state. The country advocates for the establishment of a unified Palestinian state based on borders existing before 1967.
Despite the absence of trade ties between the nations, numerous Pakistanis have advocated for a boycott of Israeli products and Western brands perceived to be supportive of Israel.
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