November 14, 2020
2 mins read

Pakistan ‘under pressure’ to recognise Israel

Imran Khan said he has no second thoughts about recognizing Israel unless there is a just settlement, which satisfies Palestines… reports Hamza Ameer

Pak PM Imran Khan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that his government is under pressure to recognize Israel, insisting that Islamabad would never establish relations with the “Zionists”.

Khan revealed this during an interview with a private television, where he stated that after the recognition of Israel by Arab countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, Islamabad is also being asked to recognize Israel, something that his government has rejected till now.

“I have no second thought about recognizing Israel unless there is a just settlement, which satisfies Palestines,” he said.

When asked to name the countries, which have insisted on Islamabad to recognize Israel, Khan refrained from pin pointing and opted to be silent on the question.

“There are things we cannot say. We have good relations with them,” he said.

Khan reiterated that founding father of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azad Muhammad Ali Jinnah had refused to recognize Israel, adding: “Islamabad would continue to follow in Jinnah’s footsteps vis-a-vis Palestine.”

Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayan, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan sign an agreement to set up diplomatic relations at the White House on September 15, 2020. United States President Donald Trump endorsed it. (Photo: White House/IANS)

Khan said Israel has a strong influence in the US, which he said is “another country pressurizing him to recognize Israel”.

“The pressure is because of Israel’s deep impact (influence) in the US. This influence was in fact extraordinary during the (US President Donald) Trump stint,” he said.

The recent recognition of Israel by the UAE and Bahrain has resulted in diplomatic economic relations with Tel Aviv, while many other Arab countries are also considering normalization of relations with Israel.

Pakistan being an externally economic dependent country, recognition of Israel and establishment of economic ties can be a major support for Islamabad.

However, Khan has said that Islamabad would regain its economic strength and stand on its own feet first, on its own.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Khan said US President-elect Jo Biden’s approach on the issue of Israel needs to be seen, stating that “Afghanistan is not the real issue, but Israel is”.

“Afghanistan is not the real issue. The real issue is Israel. It is to be seen how Biden deals with that. Whether he changes Trump’s policies about Israel or continues with them”.

“I am not sure about Biden’s policy on Israel, Iran and Kashmir but I am sure there will be no change in Washington’s Afghan policy. The Democrats too want to pull out of Afghanistan,” he added.

Previous Story

India-US bonhomie will continue under Biden-Harris

Next Story

Verstegen, Sri Sri Tattva join hands to offer sustainable agri solutions in Europe, UK

Latest from -Top News

India, US Step Up Trade Talks

The development comes in the backdrop of the new US ambassador Sergio Gor taking charge in the US embassy is New Delhi….reports Asian Lite News India and the United States are progressing

Lanka Marks Next Phase of Indian Housing Drive

Phases III and IV of the Indian Housing Project highlight India’s commitment to supporting and empowering Sri Lanka’s Indian-origin Tamil community….reports Asian Lite News Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday

Hamas Frees Captives

The Israeli Air Force announced that it has completed its preparations to receive hostages returning from Gaza to Israel….reports Asian Lite News The Red Cross has taken custody of the first group

China’s Grab for Africa

China’s investments aim to strengthen its geopolitical influence and its high-tech manufacturing sector in Africa…reports Asian Lute News China is further consolidating its dominance in the rare earth elements sector by expanding
Go toTop