Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar says Pakistan’s position on Israel remains unchanged, stressing that recognition is linked to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Pakistan Rejects Any Policy Shift on Israel
Pakistan has reiterated that there will be no change in its longstanding policy towards Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is established.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made the remarks during a press conference at Pakistan’s embassy in Washington following his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Responding to questions about US President Donald Trump urging several Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords, Dar made it clear that Islamabad’s position remains unchanged.
“Pakistan remains steadfast in its position on Palestine and Gaza,” he said, adding that Israel must move towards the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state before any reconsideration of relations could occur.
What Are the Abraham Accords?
The Abraham Accords are a series of agreements brokered by the United States in 2020 that led to the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries.
Supporters of the accords view them as an important step toward regional stability and economic cooperation. However, critics argue that the agreements do not directly address the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including Palestinian statehood and territorial disputes.
Recently, President Trump suggested that countries including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, and Jordan should consider joining the accords as part of broader efforts to stabilise the Middle East and support a potential Iran peace arrangement.
Meeting with Marco Rubio
Dar described his meeting with Rubio as cordial and constructive. According to the Pakistani foreign minister, discussions focused on bilateral relations, regional security, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
Following the meeting, Rubio publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in the region.
In a statement, he thanked Pakistan for its role in advancing peace efforts and emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas related to security and economic development.
Pakistan Highlights Mediation Role
During the press conference, Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran.
He said Islamabad helped facilitate communication channels and create conditions that enabled direct engagement between Washington and Tehran. According to Dar, Pakistan played a role in supporting ceasefire efforts and broader attempts to reduce tensions in the region.
The foreign minister argued that Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagement has enhanced its international standing and demonstrated its ability to contribute constructively to regional peace initiatives.
Pakistan’s Traditional Position on Palestine
Pakistan has never formally recognised Israel and has consistently supported the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on internationally accepted principles and United Nations resolutions.
Successive Pakistani governments have maintained that normalisation with Israel cannot take place without a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue.
Dar’s latest remarks indicate that this policy remains firmly in place despite changing regional dynamics and international diplomatic efforts surrounding the Abraham Accords.
Regional Diplomacy Continues
The statement comes at a time of intense diplomatic activity across the Middle East, with several countries attempting to reduce regional tensions and support negotiations related to ongoing conflicts.
While Pakistan continues to engage with international partners on peace initiatives, Islamabad has made it clear that its position on Israel remains tied to progress on Palestinian statehood and a broader settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
