Pakistan on Thursday unequivocally dismissed any possibility of becoming a party to the Abraham Accords, reaffirming that its long-standing position on Palestine remains unchanged, the Foreign Office confirmed during a weekly news briefing.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed what he termed a “misconception,” clarifying that Pakistan”s recent decision to join the Board of Peace is entirely separate from and not a precursor to the Abraham Accords or any related issue.
He explained that joining the board was a collective decision made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant stakeholders, following the completion of all procedural formalities.
Mr Andrabi detailed that the primary objective for joining the board is to help consolidate and sustain the ceasefire in Gaza, support reconstruction, and advance a just and lasting peace based on the Palestinian right to self-determination.
The spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan joins seven other prominent Muslim nations on the board, including Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, and Qatar. This move, he said, should be viewed as a continuation of the initiative by these Islamic countries to promote a durable solution to the Palestinian question.
Citing the immense suffering and destruction in Gaza, Tahir Andrabi described the Board of Peace as offering a “viable glimmer of hope” for the region and the wider Palestinian issue.
He also clarified the board”s relationship with the United Nations, stating it does not serve as a replacement. The spokesperson asserted that the board is designed to complement, not undermine, the UN system, noting its establishment was authorised by a UN Security Council resolution.
Furthermore, Mr Andrabi stated that Islamabad has not decided to join the International Stabilisation Force, and membership on the peace board does not imply a contribution of troops.
Responding to a separate query, the spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s opposition to the use of force, sanctions, or interference in the internal affairs of Iran. He emphasised that Pakistan will continue to champion peace and diplomacy for resolving issues, stressing that the region cannot afford further conflict.