Disavowing normalization: Foreign Minister in Pakistan's interim government, Jalil Abbas Jilani, stressed on Monday that a decision to normalize relations with Israel depends on the interests of his country and "the welfare of the Palestinian people."
Later, Minister Jilani stressed Pakistan's support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, noting that such a decision also depends on Palestinian interests. This followed criticism of his initial response.
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The statements follow Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's remarks about the possibility that a number of other Muslim countries will normalize relations with Israel in the event of an agreement with Saudi Arabia. It is believed that this refers to countries such as Oman, Somalia, Indonesia and Malaysia, among others. However, it is not known whether they will indeed follow the Saudi route in the event of an agreement.
Pakistani Minister Jilani was asked about this on Network X, and replied that he clarified the country's position from the UN stage when he renewed Pakistan's call to "establish an independent Palestinian state based on the '67 borders with Jerusalem as its capital." He wasn't the only one to issue a clarification.
Pakistani Information Minister Murtada Solangi also issued a clarification, saying that Pakistan was taking a "traditional and principled position not to recognize Israel," adding that "the state and its institutions stand with the Palestinian people."
"Pakistan's position vis-à-vis Israel is connected to the future of the Palestinian people. As long as the Palestinians do not receive freedom and the rights to self-determination in their homeland, Pakistan will not abandon its Palestinian brethren."
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