FO rules out Pakistan joining Abraham Accords, says stance on Palestine issue remains unchanged

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday said that Pakistan will not become a party to Abraham Accords.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing in Islamabad, FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi reaffirmed that Pakistan’s stance on Palestine remains consistent and unchanged.

He rejected claims suggesting that Pakistan’s participation in the Board of Peace is linked to the Abraham Accords, describing such assumptions as incorrect and misleading.

The FO spokesperson explained that the decision to become part of the Board of Peace was taken jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) along with all relevant stakeholders, and only after fulfilling every required procedural step.

Andrabi stated that Pakistan’s main purpose in joining the Board is to help preserve and strengthen the ceasefire in Gaza, assist in rebuilding efforts, and support progress toward a just and enduring peace based on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

He pointed out that Pakistan is not alone in this effort, noting that seven other prominent Muslim countries — Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Qatar — are also members of the Board.

The FO spokesperson said that Pakistan’s involvement should be viewed as part of a broader initiative by these eight Islamic nations aimed at encouraging stability in Gaza and paving the way for a lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue.

Referring to the widespread loss of life and destruction in Gaza, Andrabi described the Board of Peace as a credible source of hope for the people of Gaza and for the wider Palestinian cause.

The FO spokesperson clarified that the Board of Peace is not intended to take the place of the United Nations (UN). Rather, it was created with a specific mandate endorsed through a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution and is designed to work alongside — not against — the UN system.

He further emphasized that Pakistan has not made any decision to join the International Stabilization Force, and that being part of the Board of Peace does not mean the country will deploy troops.

Answering another question, Andrabi said Pakistan opposes the use of force and coercive tactics, including sanctions on Iran, as well as interference in its internal affairs.

"Pakistan will continue to push for dialogue and diplomatic solutions," the FO spokesperson stressed, warning that the region cannot afford further conflict or instability.