Khawaja Asif is one of the politicians who strongly opposes any move toward normalising relations with the Jewish state. Last month, he described Israel as a “curse for humanity” and accused it of committing genocide in the region.
As Pakistan stands at a diplomatic crossroads regarding the normalization of ties with Israel, the country’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, has stated that Islamabad should not yield to US President Donald Trump’s appeal for Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords. Speaking to Sama TV, Asif remarked that the American leader’s proposal conflicts with Pakistan’s “fundamental ideologies.”
The Pakistani leader’s comments came after Trump urged all nations involved in peace talks with Iran to sign the Abraham Accords—an initiative aimed at establishing diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Israel and Arab nations. Among the negotiating parties, the UAE and Bahrain are already signatories to the accords, and Trump hopes that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan will also join.
Khawaja Asif on Pakistan’s Delicate Position
During an interview on a talk show with Samaa TV, Asif stated, “Personally, I do not believe that we should join any such agreement that conflicts with our fundamental ethos.”
He also addressed his country’s long-standing stance: that Israel will not be recognized until an independent Palestinian state is established, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders. In its 78-year history, Islamabad has never recognized Israel.
Consequently, Pakistani citizens are also unable to visit Israel using the country’s passport.
He stated, “Our position is clear: this is unacceptable to us.”
The minister also emphasized the issue of credibility. He asked, “How can you sit down with people whose word cannot be trusted for even a single day?”
Khawaja Asif is among those leaders who strongly oppose any notion of normalizing relations with the Jewish state. Last month, he described Israel as a “curse upon humanity” and accused it of committing genocide in the region.
Pakistan’s Dilemma
For Pakistan, acceding to Trump’s demands presents perhaps its most difficult predicament. Pakistan has already refused to recognize Israel, maintaining that normalization can only occur once an independent Palestinian state is established. Any attempt to join the Abraham Accords would face significant political and public opposition within the country.
At the same time, Pakistan’s leadership—both civilian and military—has sought to mend ties with Washington following years of strained relations in the wake of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
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