By Mashal Khan

ISLAMABD - Pakistan on Thursday reaffirmed that it will not recognize Israel and said its decision to join the Board of Peace (BoP) was aimed solely at securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, supporting reconstruction, and advancing the Palestinian right to self-determination, the Foreign Office said.

Addressing a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan joined the Board of Peace “in good faith” alongside seven other Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia and Qatar, stressing that the initiative has no link to the Abraham Accords and does not alter Islamabad’s long-standing policy on Israel.

“Pakistan’s position remains unchanged. We will not become a party to the Abraham Accords, and joining the Board of Peace does not in any way imply recognition of Israel,” Andrabi said, adding that the BoP was established under UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and is intended to complement, not replace, the United Nations.

He said Pakistan’s objectives within the Board of Peace are threefold: sustaining a Gaza ceasefire, enabling humanitarian relief and reconstruction, and pushing for a just and lasting political solution leading to an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

On Iran, the spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s firm opposition to the use of force, sanctions and interference in Tehran’s internal affairs, warning that the region cannot afford another conflict.

“This region cannot afford war or turmoil as it directly undermines economic development and prosperity,” he said, noting that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held two telephone conversations this week with his Iranian counterpart, while also engaging with US officials on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos to advocate dialogue and diplomacy.

Responding to questions on Afghanistan, Andrabi said Pakistan seeks a mutually beneficial relationship with Kabul but warned that ties remain strained due to terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, including recent attacks involving Afghan nationals.

“Pakistan continues to face attacks planned and executed from across the border. Addressing these security concerns remains central to any improvement in relations,” he said, urging the Afghan interim authorities to take concrete and verifiable action against the TTP/Fitna-al-Khawarij.

On India, the spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of the trial and conviction of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, calling it a “travesty of justice” and reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic, political and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination under UN resolutions.

He also said Pakistan is actively engaging the European Union to safeguard trade interests, including the continuation of GSP Plus, amid reports of an India-EU trade agreement.

Addressing questions on US travel advisories and visa restrictions, Andrabi said Islamabad remains engaged with Washington through diplomatic channels, expressing confidence that Pakistan will eventually be excluded from restrictive lists.

The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s foreign policy remains anchored in peace, diplomacy and multilateralism, adding that Islamabad would continue to play a constructive role regionally and internationally to prevent conflict and promote stability.