New Delhi: Pakistan is in trouble amidst the new diplomacy of peace in West Asia. Islamabad, which was playing the role of mediator in reducing tension between Iran and America, is now in a situation of dilemma. US President Donald Trump has appealed to Muslim and Arab countries to join the Abraham Accords, but Pakistan has currently kept a clear distance from it.
Defense Minister said, ‘There is no question of compromise’
According to media reports, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said that Islamabad will not take any such step which is against its foreign policy and stance on Palestine.
In an interview given to Sama TV, he reiterated that Pakistan does not recognize Israel and the question of joining the Abraham Accords does not arise. He reminded that even today travel to Israel is not valid on Pakistani passport.
Relations are not normal without Palestine
Asif said that Pakistan’s stand has been clear for years. Unless an independent Palestinian state is formed with East Jerusalem as its capital on the basis of pre-1967 borders, relations with Israel will not be normal. He also raised questions about trust in Israel and said that it is difficult to reach a permanent agreement with a party whose stance is constantly in doubt.
Fear of worsening relations with America
The Abraham Accords were signed in 2020 with US mediation. UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan normalized relations with Israel. The Trump administration is now linking the possible agreement with Iran to this framework.
Experts believe that if Pakistan openly protests, relations with America will be affected. At the same time, it is not easy to support due to domestic politics, religious groups and pro-Palestinian public opinion.
Saudi Arabia’s stance will become important
It is noteworthy that till now Saudi Arabia has linked normalizing relations with Israel to the Palestinian solution. If Riyadh moves towards the Abraham Accords in future, diplomatic pressure on Pakistan will increase. At present, Pakistan is emphasizing on strengthening strategic partnership with China.
During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China from May 23 to 26, both the countries agreed to build a common future. Pakistan has supported President Xi Jinping’s proposals regarding peace in West Asia.
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