In a heartfelt video message, artist and activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr criticized Pakistan’s lack of meaningful action in support of Gaza, where Israel’s relentless bombing and blockade have led to mass starvation and over 61,000 Palestinian deaths. Bhutto expressed frustration at the government’s muted response and public desensitization, stating, “People in Palestine are dying of hunger and thirst. This is a manmade famine.” He described haunting images of emaciated civilians—once healthy and happy—now reduced to “the walking dead.”
Bhutto highlighted the stark contrast between Pakistan’s official condemnations and its failure to take concrete steps. “Aside from a few statements, Pakistan provided very little tangible support to Palestine,” he said, pointing to poorly attended protests and the absence of major religious or civil organizations. He urged Pakistanis to mobilize as if Gaza’s suffering were their own, questioning why Urdu slogans were rarely used in solidarity campaigns. “Why are we not standing up for Palestine in our own language?” he asked, suggesting political reluctance to challenge Israel.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with doctors like James Smith, an emergency physician who worked there, confirming that starvation is being deliberately weaponized. Israeli restrictions on aid have left Palestinians without food, even for those who could afford it. While Pakistan’s UN envoy condemned Israel’s “brutal and illegal war” at the Security Council, Bhutto argued that diplomatic statements alone are insufficient. He accused Muslim nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia of abandoning Palestine, leaving Western activists to lead global outcries.
As international inaction continues, Bhutto’s message serves as a moral wake-up call. With former US President Donald Trump stating Gaza’s fate is “up to Israel,” Bhutto emphasized that silence equals complicity. “Whatever happens in Palestine, we should show up like the same is happening in Pakistan,” he declared, challenging his fellow citizens to move beyond performative outrage and demand real solidarity with Gaza’s oppressed.