The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a screening of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, in partnership with the Embassy of the State of Palestine.
Before the screening, several dignitaries spoke, including H.E. Dr. Zuhair Zaid, Ambassador of Palestine, Mr. Jamal Shah, former Minister for Culture and Heritage, filmmaker and National Geographic explorer Mr. Jawad Sharif, ISSI’s Director General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, and Director CAMEA Ms. Amina Khan.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood remarked that this screening is more than just an event—it’s a call to moral awareness. It reminds us all that we must raise the voices of the Palestinian people and strongly support justice and human dignity.
Advertisement The struggle of the Palestinian people is not just about territory—it is also about identity, survival, and the right to live freely and with respect. What makes No Other Land unique is its collaborative creation by both Palestinians and Israelis, offering rare insight into life under occupation.
He also spoke about Israel’s harsh and extreme response to the events of 7 October 2023, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the need for the international community to act for justice, and Pakistan’s continued support for the Palestinian cause and their right to self-determination.
Ms. Amina Khan said during the event that the screening of No Other Land acts as a strong reminder of moral responsibility. She explained that Israel has constantly tried to remove Palestine from the political scene, making the fight for justice even harder for Palestinians. She added that the film doesn’t just show their pain—it also shows the strong will of the Palestinian people to remain on their land and keep their way of life. Their persistence is proof of their strength against the ongoing pressure from the Israeli government.
Ambassador Dr. Zuhair Zaid thanked the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) for showing the documentary. He said efforts like these are important for keeping the Palestinian story alive and sharing truths that are often hidden. He noted that Israeli control and force have continued without pause since 1948.
The Palestinian people, have suffered for generations due to systematic discrimination, forced displacement, and apartheid-like policies that began the very day Israel was established. The occupation, steals childhoods, dreams, and futures. We don’t want to bury our children, we want our children to bury us. Despite efforts to suppress the truth, he noted that social media now exposes Israeli actions, amplifying the courage of Palestinians.
He emphasized that what the world is witnessing today is not just a conflict, it is a genocide, unfolding in real time. He highlighted that the Palestinians are being denied basic rights, from cultivating their land to living without fear. Villages are wiped out, homes demolished, and life stifled by checkpoints.
Mr. Jamal Shah said that the crisis in Palestine comes from a long history of unfair treatment, starting with the 1948 Nakba, which caused mass displacement and loss of rights. He described Gaza as a region under blockade, suffering from poverty and violence. Calling it a moral and human rights issue, he emphasized how powerful art can be in standing against injustice. Films like No Other Land remind us of the need to listen to the voices of those who are suffering.
Mr. Jawad Sharif said the situation in Palestine is deeply upsetting. He shared that the documentary No Other Land shows why it is important to listen to Palestinian voices and how art can help in their struggle. He said this film is more than just a documentary—it’s a moving story about human dignity under pressure. He expressed hope that such work will move people to care and take action.
The screening was attended by diplomats, scholars, regional experts, students, media professionals, and members of civil society.
Source: ISSI.org