Pakistan’s Interim Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict during a news conference in Islamabad on Thursday. In his statement, Minister Jilani emphasized that Pakistan’s policy toward Israel remained consistent and firmly rooted in the rights of the Palestinian people.
He stated, “There is no change in our policy regarding Israel… our policy is linked to the rights of the Palestinian people.”
Pakistan has long maintained a non-recognition policy with Israel and advocates for a “two-state solution in accordance with the relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions as well as international law, with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as the capital of Palestine.”
Minister Jilani’s statement comes at a time when Israel has been intensifying its efforts to normalize relations with various Muslim countries. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen recently revealed that he had met with leaders from several Muslim nations during the United Nations General Assembly who had not yet recognized Israel. He hinted at the possibility of “six or seven” Muslim nations normalizing ties with Israel, following the potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the Abraham Accords—an agreement that represents Arab nations willing to normalize relations with Israel, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
Responding to questions about Pakistan’s stance on Israel, Minister Jilani indicated that any decision regarding relations with Israel would be made while prioritizing Pakistan’s national interests.
He pointed out that both he and the Prime Minister had emphasized this stance during their speeches at the United Nations General Assembly. Minister Jilani underscored Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to advocating for an independent state for Palestinians, similar to the pre-1967 borders, and stated that this position was an integral part of Pakistan’s national interest.
He concluded, “The Palestinians’ right to self-determination is similar to that of Kashmiris. This is basically a part of our national interest.” Pakistan’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict remains resolute, rooted in principles of justice and self-determination for all oppressed peoples.
