Pakistan Rules Out Recognition of Israel, Reaffirms Support for Palestine at UN

New York— Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has firmly ruled out the possibility of Pakistan recognizing Israel, reiterating Islamabad’s longstanding and principled stance on the Palestinian cause.

Speaking at a press briefing in New York, Mr. Dar made it clear that Pakistan has no plans to establish diplomatic ties with Israel, stating that Islamabad’s commitment to the Palestinian people remains unchanged.

“We issued an official statement at the time of the attack on Iran — having diplomatic relations does not mean endorsing what is wrong,” he said, underscoring the country’s nuanced approach to foreign relations while staying rooted in moral clarity.

The remarks came amid mounting international pressure to implement a two-state solution and intensifying global efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Mr. Dar stressed that now is the time for the international community to grant full United Nations membership to the State of Palestine.

Pakistan Calls for Gaza Ceasefire and Accountability

Addressing a high-level conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict at the UN headquarters, Mr. Dar called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian access, and accountability for war crimes. He condemned the continued killing of civilians, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law.”

“This is not just a political failure; it is a humanitarian one,” Mr. Dar asserted, criticizing the international community’s decades-long inability to resolve the crisis, which has persisted for over 75 years.

He also welcomed France’s recognition of the Palestinian state and praised the joint efforts of France and Saudi Arabia in hosting the peace conference. Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support, he stated, “Pakistan will continue to stand by the Palestinian people in their just struggle for self-determination.”

Dialogue with India Must Be Comprehensive, Says Dar

Turning to regional issues, the deputy prime minister emphasized that any dialogue with India must be comprehensive and not limited to a single issue. “Our stance is clear — dialogue must cover all matters of concern,” he said.

Mr. Dar confirmed that the ceasefire along the Line of Control is holding and cautioned that no party could unilaterally walk away from international agreements such as the Indus Waters Treaty, a vital pact governing water sharing between the two countries.

Combating Terrorism and Legal Matters at Home

On internal security, Mr. Dar expressed confidence in the leadership of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir in tackling terrorism. “The state will take decisive action against those who take up arms against it,” he warned.

Addressing ongoing legal proceedings against former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, Mr. Dar clarified that the government had not filed any new cases. “These matters are being dealt with by the courts. Once you defy the state and violate the law, consequences follow,” he stated.

UN Chief Calls Gaza Situation “Catastrophic”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also addressed the conference, urging an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza. He warned that the humanitarian crisis in the region had reached catastrophic levels and called for unimpeded humanitarian access to the besieged enclave.

Read more: Pakistan seeks balanced ties with China and US, says Ishaq Dar

The developments come amid a critical juncture in the Middle East peace process, with Pakistan aligning itself firmly with the international push for justice and sovereignty for the Palestinian people.