Abdullah Gul (Defense Analyst): Pakistan is an important country of the Muslim world. Due to its important geographical location and being the nuclear power adds to its importance. Another positive aspect is that over 250 million of the population comprises the youth. So, Pakistan is among the leading countries in Muslim community. Now the second Joint Arab Islamic Summit is going to be held in Riyadh and the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will represent the country. As far as the prevailing situation in the Middle East is concerned, Pakistan always has a clear stance that Israel’s acts are illegal and two-nation theory is the only solution to the current situation in Gaza. Pakistan extends its full support to Palestinian people and condemns Israeli aggression on Lebanon. The Muslim world must urge Israel for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine. The Gaza land never belonged to Israelis as they are only the intruders. The Islamic organization should stand united and support the people of Palestine and Lebanon in this critical time. 

A.M. Shahid (Former Ambassador): 

For the last couple of years, people of Pakistan have been suffering from higher inflation and higher gas and electricity tariffs. At this point of time, Pakistan is in dire need of the foreign investment. It will generate employment and new resources will be generated. The government is making all out efforts to provide an ease of doing business environment in the country to attract the foreign direct investment. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have already expressed willingness to invest in Pakistan that will stabilize the economy to a great extent. We need more investment in agriculture sectors in order to improve productivity. It will help the government to export to the GCC countries. 

Ali Sarwar Naqvi (Former Ambassador): 

Pakistan always supported the cause of Palestinians and urged them to give the people of Palestine their fundamental rights. The Prime Minister in his address at the UNGA session urged the international community to play its role in defusing tensions in the Middle East. Pakistan always condemned the cruel acts of the Israeli forces on innocent Palestinians. Unfortunately, some countries have tilt towards Israeli aggression despite the fact that many children, women and elders are being targeted by the Israeli forces. The houses have been destroyed and even the hospitals are being bombarded. Pakistan has a clear narrative on the Palestine issue and will never step back an inch from its stance. The world must ensure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on humanitarian basis and look out for a solution to this issue.