LAHORE: Governor of Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haidar Khan, has formally banned the use of Israeli brands, products, and foreign beverages within the Governor’s House, aligning with nationwide calls to boycott Israeli goods in support of the Palestinian cause.
The decision follows a growing movement led by various political and religious groups across Pakistan urging a boycott of products linked to Israel.
During a meeting held at the Governor’s House on Sunday, which was attended by former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Punjab Assembly Parliamentary Leader Haider Ali Gilani, senior leader Chaudhry Manzoor, and other party officials, Governor Haidar declared, “As long as I hold this office, no Israeli items will be allowed in the Governor’s House.”
Speaking on the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and Palestine, the Governor expressed deep sorrow over the suffering of innocent Muslims. “It breaks our hearts to witness the oppression in Gaza and Palestine. The international community must act swiftly and decisively to end these atrocities,” he stated.
He also urged the general public to boycott any products that financially support Israel or other oppressive regimes, emphasizing that such action would send a clear message of solidarity from the people of Pakistan.
In addition, Governor Haidar extended condolences to the families of Pakistani nationals who were recently killed in a terrorist attack in Iran. He pledged full support to the victims’ families and called on Iranian authorities to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly and impose strict punishments to prevent future attacks.
The Governor’s announcement follows a series of solidarity events held across the country. Just a day earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman addressed the “Gaza Solidarity March” in Karachi, reiterating the importance of boycotting Israeli goods.
On April 10, the Pakistan Unity Council hosted a national conference in Islamabad on “Palestine and the Responsibilities of the Muslim Ummah,” during which participants demanded the suspension of diplomatic and trade relations with nations supporting Israel until an unconditional ceasefire is implemented.
