Pakistan won't be part of Abraham Accord, says FO

The Foreign Office spokesperson has stated that linking the Board of Peace to the Abraham Accords is a misunderstanding, and Pakistan will not become a party to the Abraham Accords.

During the weekly briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that Pakistan remains a safe and open country for international travellers. He clarified that the travel advisory issued by the United States is not a downgrade but an update.

Certain previous security points were removed in the updated advisory, making travel to Pakistan easier for US citizens. He added that Pakistan and the United States are in diplomatic contact regarding this matter.

Tahir Andrabi also said that discussions on lifting US visa restrictions are ongoing in Islamabad and Washington.

Pakistan hopes to be removed from the visa restriction list soon, and diplomatic engagement with the United States continues for this purpose.

The spokesperson emphasised that Pakistan joined the Board of Peace in good faith. The primary aim of Pakistan’s participation is to stabilise the ceasefire in Gaza.

The second objective is to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza, while the third goal is to support a lasting peace based on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

He further noted that Pakistan is not alone in the initiative; seven other Muslim countries are also members of the Board of Peace, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, and Qatar.

The Board of Peace was launched last September as a collective effort and represents a beacon of hope for Gaza and the broader Palestinian issue.

Tahir Andrabi highlighted that the people of Gaza have suffered severe destruction and a humanitarian crisis over the past two years, and United Nations efforts have failed to stop Israeli aggression.

The Board of Peace has the approval of the UN Security Council resolution and is intended as a supportive platform, not as an alternative to the United Nations.

He reiterated that linking the Board of Peace to the Abraham Accords is a misconception. Pakistan will not join the Abraham Accords, nor has it made any decision to participate in an international stabilization force.