ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has categorically dismissed reports claiming that it is considering joining the Abraham Accords or an international stabilisation force in Gaza, reiterating that its principled stance on the Palestine issue remains unchanged.
During his weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi rejected media speculation suggesting a shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy. He clarified that Pakistan has no intention of becoming part of the Abraham Accords, a US-sponsored initiative launched during former US president Donald Trump’s first term to normalise relations between Israel and certain Muslim-majority countries.
The clarification came amid speculation following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent signing of the charter of the Trump-led Board of Peace for Gaza at an international event in Davos. Andrabi explained that Pakistan’s participation in the Board of Peace was based on goodwill and was solely aimed at supporting peace and stability in Gaza.
He emphasized that Pakistan has also not taken any decision to join a proposed International Stabilisation Force in Gaza, adding that the country’s involvement in the Gaza Board of Peace, alongside eight other Muslim nations, reflects a sincere effort to help bring peace to the conflict-hit region.
The spokesperson rejected claims that the Foreign Office had advised the prime minister against signing the charter, stating that no such recommendation was ever made.
Addressing other issues, Andrabi said Pakistan firmly opposes sanctions imposed on Iran and noted that recent telephone conversations with the Iranian foreign minister were part of ongoing diplomatic engagement.
He also stated that Pakistan maintains a professional and respectful approach toward Indian diplomats stationed in Islamabad, in contrast to the treatment faced by Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi.
Expressing concern over terrorism affecting Pakistan from across the Afghan border, the spokesperson condemned an inflammatory speech delivered by the administrator of a madrassa in Khost and urged Afghan Taliban authorities to take action against those promoting violence.
Additionally, Andrabi denied reports that India had requested fresh consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav. He reiterated that Jadhav, a serving Indian naval officer, was arrested in Pakistan for involvement in sabotage activities and has already been convicted. He added that Pakistan has received no new request from India regarding consular access.
