Pakistan Reaffirms Unchanged Stance on Israel, Clarifies Gaza Peace Board Role
Pakistan has categorically ruled out joining the Abraham Accords and reaffirmed that its participation in the Gaza Board of Peace does not signal any shift in its long-standing policy regarding Israel. During a comprehensive weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed widespread speculation linking Pakistan's recent diplomatic moves to regional normalization efforts involving Israel.
Clear Distinction Between Initiatives
"It is a misconception that joining the Board of Peace is in any way connected to the Abraham Accords or any sidetrack to this issue," Andrabi stated emphatically. "Pakistan will not become a party to the Abraham Accords. Our position on Palestine and Israel remains consistent."
Pakistan maintains its firm position of non-recognition of Israel and has repeatedly stated that normalization cannot occur without a just, lasting, and internationally recognized resolution of the Palestinian issue. The spokesperson provided detailed clarification about the fundamental differences between the two initiatives:
- The Gaza Board of Peace represents a multilateral diplomatic initiative focused on consolidating ceasefire arrangements
- It aims to facilitate humanitarian assistance and support post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza
- Unlike the Abraham Accords, this initiative does not involve recognition of Israel
- The Board does not require security guarantees or military commitments from participating nations
Pakistan's Threefold Objectives
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined the Board of Peace earlier this month alongside leaders from seven other Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Qatar. This participation occurred under the framework of a United Nations Security Council resolution.
Andrabi outlined Pakistan's specific objectives in joining this initiative:
- Sustaining the ceasefire in Gaza to prevent further escalation of violence
- Supporting comprehensive reconstruction efforts in the devastated region
- Advancing a just and lasting peace based on the Palestinian people's fundamental right to self-determination
The spokesperson clarified that Pakistan has not committed to joining any international stabilization force for Gaza and emphasized that membership in the Board of Peace does not imply the deployment of Pakistani troops. He further explained that this initiative does not replace United Nations mechanisms but rather complements UN efforts in addressing the ongoing crisis.
Broader Diplomatic Engagements
During the extensive briefing, Andrabi provided updates on Pakistan's recent diplomatic activities across multiple fronts. He detailed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's participation in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, where the Pakistani leader led a high-level delegation and engaged in multiple strategic discussions.
The prime minister's engagements included:
- Participation in the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders session focused on restoring dialogue in a divided world
- A meeting with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva
- Addressing the Pakistan Breakfast event at the Pakistan Pavilion to highlight the country's economic outlook and reform agenda
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanied the prime minister to Davos and conducted multiple diplomatic meetings with foreign ministers from Canada, Finland, and Thailand, as well as with the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Dar also inaugurated Pakistan's pavilion organized by the Pathfinder Group, emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and youth-led startups as drivers of economic growth.
Regional and Bilateral Engagements
The spokesperson provided comprehensive updates on Pakistan's diplomatic engagements over the past two weeks, highlighting several significant developments:
- Deputy Prime Minister Dar's stopover in the United Arab Emirates included meetings with senior Emirati officials and business leaders focused on expanding UAE investment in Pakistan, deepening trade ties, and resolving outstanding issues related to Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited
- President Asif Ali Zardari's official visit to the United Arab Emirates resulted in reaffirmed commitments to deepening longstanding brotherly relations and reviewing cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, and technology
- Pakistan hosted Myanmar's foreign minister, with both sides agreeing to expand cooperation in religious tourism, cultural exchanges, and political consultations
- The fourth round of bilateral political consultations with Belgium reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, education, and health sciences
- Pakistan and Ghana convened their first-ever bilateral political consultations in Accra, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations
Regional Security Concerns
Andrabi addressed pressing regional security concerns during the briefing, reiterating Pakistan's firm position on several critical issues:
On regional tensions concerning Iran: Pakistan continues to advocate for dialogue and diplomacy while opposing the use of force, coercive measures, and sanctions. The spokesperson warned that conflict in the region would undermine economic development and stability.
On Afghanistan: Pakistan expressed serious concern over continued terrorism emanating from Afghan soil and urged Afghan authorities to take concrete and verifiable action against militant groups targeting Pakistan.
The briefing also addressed issues related to US travel advisories, immigration visa restrictions, Pakistan's engagement with the European Union, and concerns over terrorism and regional connectivity projects. Andrabi confirmed that Pakistan remains actively engaged with international partners through diplomatic channels to address these matters comprehensively.
Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence
In his concluding remarks, Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to a foreign policy firmly rooted in international law, multilateralism, and peaceful coexistence. He stressed that Islamabad would continue to play a constructive role in regional and global efforts to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.
"Our foreign policy principles remain consistent," Andrabi stated. "We will continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions and support initiatives that genuinely advance peace and justice in the region."
