ISLAMABAD: According to a report published in the Middle East Eye, Prime Minister Imran Khan alleged that the United States of America pressurised Pakistan to ‘normalise’ relations with Israel in a bombshell development.
Pakistan does not officially recognise the state of Israel.
The report said, “Pakistan is under pressure from the US and other countries to normalise ties with Israel, Prime Minister Imran Khan said, but insisted Islamabad will not open up relations with the “Zionists. Cash-strapped Pakistan relies on the support of Gulf Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia, who have been overtly and covertly building ties to Israel in recent years.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has rejected a report published in the Middle East Eye, which quoted Prime Minister Imran Khan as saying that the United States was pressurising Pakistan to accept Israel.
Furthermore, Foreign Office Spokesperson, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri rejected the report as a fabrication.
FO Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri rejects media reports as fabrication regarding pressure on Pakistan to recognize Israel@ForeignOfficePkhttps://t.co/5xaTtyBeG1 pic.twitter.com/quj4HpIozT
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) November 17, 2020
In another tweet by the Government of Pakistan, the correct position was clarified.
Foreign Office Spokesperson said the Prime Minister had clearly articulated Pakistan’s position that unless a just settlement of the Palestine issue, satisfactory to the Palestinian people, was found, Pakistan could not recognize Israel. @SMQureshiPTI
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) November 17, 2020
“Foreign Office Spokesperson said the Prime Minister had clearly articulated Pakistan’s position that unless a just settlement of the Palestine issue, satisfactory to the Palestinian people, was found, Pakistan could not recognize Israel.”
In a tv interview, PM Imran Khan had said that he would only accept Israel if justice was done to Palestine.
