The Pakistani government “categorically rejected” Israeli President Herzog’s claims that he received a delegation from Pakistan two weeks ago, clarifying that the meeting was organised by a foreign non-governmental organisation that is not based in Pakistan.
The Foreign Office release said that Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict remains “clear and unambiguous.” It clarified that the policy had not changed, as there is “complete national consensus” for supporting the “Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination.”
Furthermore, the release said that it supported the establishment of a Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital, which it said is “imperative for just and lasting peace in the region.”
🔴 Depuis le Forum économique de @Davos le Président de l'État d'Israël @Isaac_Herzog révèle s'être entretenu avec des délégations du Pakistan 🇵🇰 et d'autres délégations de pays musulmans de cette région. Israël n'entretient aucune relation diplomatique avec le Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/2kGpFuR5L6
— Jonathan Serero (@sererojonathan) May 25, 2022
The statement came following Herzog’s address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, in which he said he met with two “proud Pakistani” expatriates from the United States (US), though he did confirm their identities. He also said that the meeting was “very welcome,” as no “Pakistani leaders” had ever visited Israel before “in such scope.”
He highlighted that the success of the meeting was a result of the Abraham Accords, which showed the “Jews and Muslims can dwell together in the region” with other religions.
It is unclear who the Israeli leader was talking about. However, former Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari has criticised Pakistan Television anchor Waqar Qureshi for visiting Israel due to his employment with a state-owned broadcaster. In this regard, she criticised him for his “pro-Israeli agenda.”
Qureshi’s reportage focusses on the Middle East. He is considered influential within both the civilian government and the military in Pakistan.
Another commitment made to US under regime change conspiracy by Imported govt & other co-conspirators fulfilled! Shameful subservience! #CrimeMinisterRejected pic.twitter.com/Xa4dDGpOtd
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) May 29, 2022
According to Israeli media organisation Haaretz, a 15-member delegation recently visited the country, though it appeared to confirm the Pakistani foreign ministry’s statement by noting that the delegation was led by the American Muslim and Multifaith Women's Empowerment Council and Sharaka.
Interestingly, Pakistani journalist Ahmed Qureshi and Pakistani Jew Fischel BenKhald visited the country despite every Pakistani passport being inscribed with a warning that the document is not valid for travel to Israel. They also returned to Pakistan without any issue.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader Arslan Khalid took to Twitter and said that the Israeli President’s confirmation was regrettable, calling it a betrayal of Pakistan’s foundational ideology.
Thread by @Zyyan_Ali on the compilation of video clips on Chairman Imran Khan's stance on Palestine and Israel. He mentioned several times that Pakistan will not accept Israel until a fair settlement for Palestine! #اسرائیلی_ایجنٹ_نامنظور https://t.co/fjVay6Uq6V
— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 29, 2022
He said, “It would not have been possible under Imran Khan as the prime minister, so he was removed. Sharif, Zardari and Fazlur Rehman are all part of this plan.”
Furthermore, on Sunday, Khan alleged that the incumbent government is in the process of recognising Israel. Addressing party members in Charsadda, he said, “This government will strike a deal with India to sell the people of Kashmir, and to top it off, they are also going to accept Israel.”
He added, “They are going to recognise Israel. An employee of renowned a private institution was included in the delegation.” In this regard, Khan claimed that this has been the plan of the US-backed “imported government” all along.
“Today a news came out about a Pakistan’s delegation visiting Israel. Now this imported government will act on every order they will receive”-@ImranKhanPTI #CrimeMinisterRejected pic.twitter.com/rc6kaFoOwT
— PTI (@PTIofficial) May 29, 2022
Pakistan has historically opposed Israel’s occupation of Palestine and stressed that it will not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel unless its conflict with Palestine is resolved.
It has also time and again reiterated its support to the independence and self-determination rights of Palestinians in several international organisations, including the United Nations and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
In May 2021, now-former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed the media after a General Assembly meeting to highlight the “outrage of the people of Pakistan” against violence against Palestinians. He reiterated Islamabad’s call for the “immediate cessation of violence” and the international condemnation of Israel’s actions in the region.
Similarly, in March, erstwhile PM Khan addressed the Council of Foreign Ministers and highlighted that the OIC had failed Palestinians.
However, for years now, there have been reports about the two countries maintaining relations away from the public eye. For instance, in 2003, then-leader Pervez Musharraf suggested that maintaining relations with Israel was necessary to successfully oppose India. In fact, the foreign ministers of the two countries, Khursheed Kasuri and Silvan Shalom, met in Turkey in 2005.
Furthermore, according to a 2010 WikiLeaks report, officials from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence have met with Israeli officials to dismiss rumours about Pakistan targeting Israelis.
Likewise, Khan’s government was accused of sending officials to Israel last June after the signing of the Abraham Accords. According to a report by Israel Hayon, Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s close aide, visited Israel to meet with erstwhile Mossad chief Yossi Cohen to deliver a message on the PM’s behalf. However, Bukhari and other Pakistani officials have denied these reports.