Pakistan Israel relations remain at a diplomatic deadlock after Islamabad firmly rejected calls to recognise Israel and join the Abraham Accords framework promoted by the United States.
Speaking amid renewed international discussions on Middle East diplomacy, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the country would not compromise on its “foundational ideology” by recognising Israel.
“Pakistan’s position is absolutely clear and there will be no change in it,” Asif said while reiterating Islamabad’s long-standing support for Palestine.
The statement comes after former US President Donald Trump reportedly encouraged Muslim-majority nations to improve ties with Israel and join the Abraham Accords initiative.
Pakistan Israel relations tied to Palestine issue
Pakistan has never formally recognised Israel since its creation in 1948. Islamabad maintains that recognition can only happen after the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders.
Political analysts say the issue remains highly sensitive within Pakistan because public sentiment strongly supports Palestine at both political and religious levels.
Experts also note that Pakistan often links the Palestine issue with its position on Kashmir in international diplomacy. Any shift in policy towards Israel could therefore create domestic political challenges for the government.
What are the Abraham Accords?
The Abraham Accords were launched in 2020 during Trump’s presidency to normalise relations between Israel and several Arab and Muslim-majority nations.
Countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan later joined the framework.
The agreement aims to strengthen trade, defence cooperation, tourism and strategic ties in West Asia while countering regional tensions involving Iran.
Trump recently argued that countries participating in the accords had gained economic and strategic advantages through closer engagement with Israel.
Gaza war complicates diplomatic efforts
Diplomatic efforts to expand the Abraham Accords have become more difficult following the Gaza conflict, which triggered widespread anger against Israel across the Arab world.
Saudi Arabia has maintained that formal ties with Israel would depend on credible progress towards Palestinian statehood. Analysts believe this condition remains a major obstacle for further regional normalisation.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had also publicly rejected joining the Abraham Accords during Trump’s earlier term, calling it inconsistent with Pakistan’s traditional two-state policy.
For more international affairs, geopolitical analysis and political coverage, visit Vision MP Madhya Pradesh.
