ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday categorically ruled out any change in its longstanding policy on Israel saying that there is no change in Islamabad’s position on recognising Israel and reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
Addressing a weekly press briefing, Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan condemned Israel’s vicious attacks against the people of the West Bank and Gaza.
“As far as Pakistan’s position with regards to Israel is concerned, it’s very unambiguous. There is no question of a change in Pakistan’s position on the question of recognition of Israel or on the question of Palestine or the Arab Israel problems. It remains unwavering, very clear and very firm,” he said.
“Israel’s airstrikes and raids are a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement; international humanitarian law; the UN Charter; and hampers the confidence and faith in the global community and international law,” he said.
He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the West Bank, and Gaza; protection of civilians; and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and assistance.
“We also call on the international community to increase its efforts to end Israel’s genocidal campaign against the innocent people of Palestine. We call for accountability of Israeli crimes committed in this brutal war, as a crucial step towards restoring international legitimacy,” said the spokesperson.
He added Pakistan continues to support the two-state solution which is based on fundamental principles of the UN Charter, resolutions of the UN Security Council and decisions of the International Court of Justice.
“We also reaffirm our unconditional support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people and for the establishment of a viable, contiguous, and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” said the spokesperson.
Indian atrocities
Shafqat Ali Khan voiced concern about the frequency of Indian leadership’s unwarranted assertions on Jammu and Kashmir. “In this context, we wish to make a few things clear, especially with regard to the remarks made by the Indian External Affairs Minister at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi,” he said.
The spokesperson noted that it was India that took the Jammu and Kashmir issue to the United Nations in 1948. He noted India has no right to blame the Security Council and its erstwhile members for the resolutions that were subsequently adopted.
He said repetition of baseless claims cannot deny the fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory whose final status is to be determined by its people through a UN-supervised plebiscite, as stipulated in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
“Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence. However, a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is essential for a lasting peace in South Asia,” he said.
He remarked the anti-Pakistan narrative, emanating from India, vitiates the bilateral environment and impedes the prospects for peace and cooperation which must stop.
Pakistan-US ties
Shafqat Ali Khan replying to a question said Pakistan and the US continue to engage with each other in diverse fields and consular affairs are an important component of the bilateral relations.
“Pakistan-US bilateral relations have registered a positive momentum over the last couple of years,” he said. The official said as far as the news relating to the inclusion of Pakistan in any travel ban is concerned, as explained earlier the US authorities have termed the media reports as speculations.
“Officially, nothing has been conveyed to us so far,” he said.
No change in Afghan refugee repatriation deadline
Regarding border control, Khan confirmed that Pakistan’s deadline for Afghan refugee repatriation remained unchanged. He added that the Torkham border had been reopened and would remain operational until April 15, with a long-term resolution under discussion.
He also commented on Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires being summoned recently, clarifying that such diplomatic engagements were routine.
“Indeed, the terrorist threat against Pakistan from terrorist entities including TTP, BLA and ISKP is our foremost concern. We continue to impress upon interim authorities to take visible and verifiable action against them, keeping in view their commitments given to the international community to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and groups from the Afghan soil,” he remarked.
Pakistan’s missile, defence capabilities
Speaking on national security, he said our missile and defence capabilities are for Pakistan’s defence and to ensure deterrence in the region, which is vital for our security.
“Our defence programme is robust and remains under strong controls,” he stated.
Yemen developments
The person replying to another question said the air strikes by the United States on rebel-held Sana and other strongholds of Houthis on 16th March 2025 and the threat of retaliation by Houthis indicate a dangerous escalation in the already volatile region.
“The ceasefire violation by Israel on 18th March 2025 will have grave repercussions for the stability of the region,” he said.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a Yemeni-led, and Yemeni-owned political process facilitated by the United Nations.
Indian involvement in terrorism
When questioned about reports of Indian involvement in last week’s Jaffar Express deadly train attack in Balochistan as well as generally in Pakistan, the spokesperson said: “Indian involvement is clear. They have been involved in terrorism in Pakistan. And secondly, it’s not just Pakistan. They have been trying to destabilise the entire region, all South Asian countries. And they also have been running, a global assassination campaign sponsored by their country, and their involvement is very clear to us.”
“Regarding the issue of flagging it, this is an ongoing process. Our embassies are active on this. We continue to highlight it. And you may also have noticed that India never condemned this attack on Jafar Express also. That is also a point worth noting.”
Reiterating his point, Khan said: “India’s involvement in fanning terrorism in Pakistan, and its involvement in destabilising Balochistan, is very clear to us.”
