Pakistan Voices Concern Over Violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem Status Quo

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, has expressed concern over continued violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque, also known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and over what he described as attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo in Occupied East Jerusalem.

In a statement issued in Islamabad, Dar reiterated Pakistan's support for the Hashemite Custodianship over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, a role held by Jordan's monarchy that involves overseeing and maintaining religious sites sacred to Muslims and Christians in the city.

Longstanding Position

Pakistan has consistently voiced support for the preservation of Jerusalem's religious sites and their historic status, a position that aligns with the broader stance of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other Muslim-majority states on the issue.

Concerns over changes to the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif have been raised periodically by governments and religious authorities in the region, particularly regarding access arrangements and activities at the site, which holds deep religious significance for both Muslims and Jews.

The statement did not specify further details of the violations referenced, nor did it outline any specific diplomatic or policy steps Pakistan intends to take in response.

Dar's remarks add to a series of statements from Islamabad on developments in the Middle East, reflecting Pakistan's ongoing engagement with issues concerning Jerusalem's holy sites.