Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has firmly ruled out the potential of Pakistan recognizing Israel, stating Islamabad’s enduring and clear position on the Palestinian matter.
During a media briefing in the vibrant city of New York, Mr. Dar declared that Pakistan has no agenda to recognize Israel and reiterated Islamabad’s steadfast allegiance to defending Palestinian rights.
“We made an official revelation at the time of the strike on Iran — maintaining diplomatic relations does not imply endorsing wrongdoing,” he asserted.
The deputy prime minister’s assertions come in the context of renewed international pleas for a two-state solution in the turbulent Middle East and Western attempts to secure a lasting truce in Gaza.
Mr. Dar highlighted that now is an opportune moment for the global community to grant full United Nations membership to the State of Palestine.
Support for Palestine
While addressing a distinguished conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict held within the esteemed halls of the UN headquarters, Mr. Dar urged the establishment of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered humanitarian assistance, accountability for war crimes, and the cessation of crimes against humanity.
He noted that the conflict has persisted for over 75 years and criticised the international community’s failure to resolve the issue. “This is not just a political failure; it is a humanitarian one,” Mr Dar said, adding that the killing of innocent civilians is a flagrant violation of international law.
He welcomed France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state and praised both France and Saudi Arabia for jointly hosting the conference. Pakistan, he reiterated, will continue to support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
India talks and regional stability
On regional matters, the deputy prime minister stressed that dialogue with India must be comprehensive. “There will be no talks on a single issue. Our stance is clear — dialogue must cover all matters of concern,” he said, adding that a ceasefire was currently being maintained along the Line of Control.
He also cautioned that neither side could unilaterally walk away from international agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty, which has long been a cornerstone of water-sharing between the two South Asian neighbours.
Terrorism and legal matters
Touching upon internal security, Mr Dar said Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir was fully prepared to lead operations against terrorists threatening Pakistan’s stability. “The state will take decisive action against those who take up arms against it,” he said.
When asked about the legal proceedings against PTI founder Imran Khan, Mr Dar maintained that the government had not initiated any new cases. “These matters are being dealt with by the courts. Once you defy the state and violate the law, consequences follow,” he said.
Separately, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also addressed the conference, calling for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza. He warned that the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave had reached catastrophic levels and demanded unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.