✍️ 🇵🇰 Is Pakistan Joining the Abraham Accords?

Every few months, rumours begin circulating that Pakistan could be the next country to join the Abraham Accords and normalise relations with Israel. But how realistic is that?

In my view, not very.

Since Pakistan’s founding, its position on Israel has remained one of the most consistent pillars of its foreign policy. Pakistan has never recognised Israel and has maintained that its stance is tied directly to the Palestinian issue.

More recently, Pakistani officials have reiterated that their position remains unchanged. Pakistan has stated that unless a Palestinian state is recognised on pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, there is no basis for moving forward. Even under those circumstances, Pakistan has not said it would recognise Israel. Rather, it has suggested that discussions could take place.

Beyond official policy, there is also the question of public opinion. Support for the Palestinian cause runs deep across Pakistani society. Any government that attempted to rapidly move towards normalisation with Israel would likely face an enormous public backlash, both politically and socially.

Pakistan has historically been cautious when it comes to changing long-held positions on major international issues. Given the strength of feeling surrounding Palestine, a shift on Israel would be among the most controversial foreign policy decisions any Pakistani government could make.

For that reason, despite periodic speculation and external pressure, I do not believe Pakistan is likely to join the Abraham Accords or recognise Israel in the foreseeable future.

And if any government were ever to seriously pursue such a policy, the reaction inside Pakistan would be impossible to ignore.

@ThePulsePoint