Pakistan’s Army Chief Calls for Urgent Global Action on Humanitarian Crises in Kashmir, Palestine

The call for action comes amid Israel’s intensified military offensive in Palestine, which has reportedly caused over 43,374 deaths and 102,261 injuries since October 7, 2023.

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has urged global powers to take decisive action to address the humanitarian crises impacting the people of Kashmir and Palestine. His appeal was made during the 28th annual conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centers (IAPTC) at Islamabad’s Center for International Peace and Stability (CIPS).

Speaking at the conference on Monday, General Munir underscored the urgent need for international intervention, particularly as tensions escalate in both Palestine and Kashmir. The call for action comes amid an intensified military offensive by Israel in Palestine, which, according to the Palestinian health ministry, has claimed over 43,374 lives and injured more than 102,261 Palestinians since October 7, 2023. Reports indicate that in just the past 24 hours, 33 additional Palestinian lives have been lost.

The Kashmir situation, similarly dire, has seen a spike in violence, particularly following the recent formation of a new government. Tensions in the region have been further aggravated since India revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019. Since then, India has implemented policies that critics argue aim to shift the demographic and political makeup of the area, intensifying the sense of occupation among residents.

The conference, hosted in Pakistan for the first time from November 4 to 8, included key international figures, such as Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, who were present to discuss issues related to peacekeeping and global security.

General Munir emphasized that while the United Nations and various global organizations have made efforts toward peace, the enduring struggles faced by Palestinians and Kashmiris reveal the necessity for continued and meaningful international action. His remarks highlighted the importance of global collaboration to address these protracted conflicts and ensure humanitarian needs are met, underscoring the urgency for a renewed commitment to resolution efforts for both regions.