Azerbaijan Accords “Completely Unacceptable,” Pakistan Rejects US Pressure on Abraham Accords: Khawaja Asif
Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has firmly rejected any suggestion of joining the Abraham Accords, stating that such a move is “completely unacceptable” for Pakistan, following reported remarks by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to the media, the defence minister said that the Abraham Accords contradict Pakistan’s core ideological and foreign policy principles. He dismissed speculation about any backchannel pressure or ongoing diplomatic engagement aimed at recognizing Israel.
Khawaja Asif clarified that Pakistan has not been contacted by the US State Department or any international forum regarding the issue, adding that there is neither any behind-the-scenes progress nor any external pressure from world powers on the matter.
Reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing position, he said that the country’s passport itself clearly states that it is valid for all countries except Israel, reflecting Islamabad’s official stance on the issue.
The minister also expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation in Gaza, stating that Israel has repeatedly violated ceasefire understandings and cannot be trusted in any agreement process. He questioned how Pakistan could enter into any arrangement with a party that does not honor commitments.
The issue emerged after comments attributed to US President Donald Trump, in which he reportedly urged several Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan, to join the Abraham Accords. He also suggested that Saudi Arabia and Qatar should take the lead, while indicating flexibility regarding some countries’ participation.
Trump further stated that UAE and Bahrain are already part of the accords and expressed interest in potentially including Iran if a ceasefire agreement is reached.
Responding to these remarks, Khawaja Asif said that while he acknowledges Trump’s unconventional diplomatic style and global peace efforts, Pakistan will not deviate even an inch from its principled stance on Palestine and the vision of the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
