Pakistan's top leadership denounces US Jerusalem move

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan

Pakistan's top civil and military leadership forum on Monday unanimously rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The National Security Committee at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the capital Islamabad said Pakistan would never accept this unilateral decision of the U.S.

"These two decisions have created an incomprehensible situation not just for the Muslim Ummah but also for the international community in general," according to a statement released from the prime minister's office.

Army chief Gen. Qamar Bajwa, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nasser Khan Janjua, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. Zubair Mehmood Hayat and senior military and civil officers attended the meeting.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua briefed the meeting on the extraordinary Organization of Islamic Council summit held in Istanbul last week which declared East Jerusalem to be Palestine’s capital.

On Dec. 6, Trump announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, sparking angry demonstrations in many Muslim countries and worldwide condemnation.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian.

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan

Pakistan's top civil and military leadership forum on Monday unanimously rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The National Security Committee at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the capital Islamabad said Pakistan would never accept this unilateral decision of the U.S.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua briefed the meeting on the extraordinary Organization of Islamic Council summit held in Istanbul last week which declared East Jerusalem to be Palestine’s capital.

On Dec. 6, Trump announced his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, sparking angry demonstrations in many Muslim countries and worldwide condemnation.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian.