Pakistan Calls for Full UN Membership for Palestine, Rejects Israel Recognition

New York: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has firmly dismissed any possibility of Pakistan recognizing Israel, reaffirming Islamabad’s steady and principled position on the Palestinian cause.

During a press briefing in New York, Mr. Dar stated that Pakistan has no plans to recognize Israel and reiterated the country’s commitment to defending Palestinian rights.

He remarked, “We issued an official statement during the attack on Iran — having diplomatic ties does not mean endorsing wrongdoing.”

His comments come amid renewed international calls for a two-state solution in the Middle East and Western efforts to negotiate a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

Mr. Dar urged the global community to grant full United Nations membership to the State of Palestine.

Support for Palestine

Speaking at a high-level conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict held at the UN headquarters, Mr. Dar called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, continuous humanitarian aid access, accountability for war crimes, and an end to crimes against humanity.

He pointed out that the conflict has lasted over 75 years and criticized the international community for failing to resolve it. “This is not only a political failure but also a humanitarian one,” he said, adding that the killing of innocent civilians is a blatant violation of international law.

He praised France’s recognition of Palestine and commended France and Saudi Arabia for jointly hosting the conference. Pakistan, he emphasized, will continue backing the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

India Talks and Regional Stability

On regional issues, the deputy prime minister stressed that talks with India must be comprehensive. “There will be no discussions on a single issue. Our position is clear — dialogue should address all concerns,” he said, noting that a ceasefire was currently holding along the Line of Control.

He also warned that neither side should unilaterally abandon international agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty, which is a key framework for water sharing between the two neighbors.

Terrorism and Legal Affairs

Regarding internal security, Mr. Dar stated that Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir is fully prepared to lead operations against terrorists threatening Pakistan’s stability. “The state will take firm action against those who take up arms against it,” he said.

When questioned about the legal cases against PTI founder Imran Khan, Mr. Dar said no new cases have been initiated by the government. “These issues are being handled by the courts. Defying the state and breaking the law brings consequences,” he added.

Separately, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke at the conference, calling for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza. He warned that the humanitarian crisis in the blockaded territory has reached catastrophic levels and demanded unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

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