Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan would not normalize ties with Israel under any arrangement, rejecting President Trump’s appeal for additional Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords.
Asif cited fundamental ideological commitments and longstanding policy opposing recognition of Israel until a resolution of Palestinian statehood demands.
The minister’s statement responded to US efforts linking expanded Abraham Accords participation to components of a potential Iran deal.
Pakistan has historically aligned with Palestinian causes in international forums despite maintaining security partnerships with Washington.
Trump’s push for broader normalization reflects an administration strategy to reshape regional alliances amid the US-Iran conflict.
Countries that joined earlier Abraham Accords established diplomatic and economic relations with Israel in exchange for US incentives and security guarantees.
Islamabad’s refusal underscores limits to how far American diplomacy can extend the accords framework across the Muslim world.
Domestic political constituencies in Pakistan strongly oppose normalization, constraining any government considering policy shifts.
Defence ministry communications emphasized sovereignty in foreign policy decisions independent of external pressure.
Analysts note Pakistan’s position affects US hopes for a unified regional front combining Gulf normalizers with South Asian partners.
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Sources:
https://www.freejobalert.com/articles/daily-current-affairs-27-may-2026-10242