Pakistan says no decision yet on joining Gaza stabilization force

Pakistan has signed an agreement to join the Gaza Board of Peace this month but has not decided whether to participate in a proposed International Stabilization Force, the Foreign Office said on Thursday, as international efforts continue to shape a post-war political framework for Gaza.

The Gaza Board of Peace is part of broader diplomatic discussions among Muslim-majority states on governance and reconstruction in Gaza, following Israel’s devastating military campaign that began after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack and triggered one of the region’s deadliest conflicts in decades.

Addressing a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Taher Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan’s decision to join the board was taken after consultations with all relevant stakeholders and completion of legal requirements.

He rejected suggestions that Pakistan’s participation was linked to the Abraham Accords — U.S.-brokered agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states — calling the comparison a “misunderstanding.”

Andrabi said Pakistan will serve on the Gaza Board of Peace for an initial three-year term, after which the arrangement will be reviewed. He added that there is currently no membership fee associated with the board.

Responding to media questions, he said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not advise the prime minister against signing the agreement and that the Foreign Office’s consent was part of the decision-making process.

He said Pakistan joined the initiative in good faith and not in isolation, noting that eight other Muslim countries have also become members of the Gaza Board of Peace.

“The purpose of this initiative is to promote peace in Gaza,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan has not taken any decision at this stage to join an international stabilization force.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s longstanding position on Palestine remains unchanged and that Islamabad will not become part of the Abraham Accords.

‘Iran issue should be resolved through diplomacy’

On Iran, Andrabi said Pakistan believes the issue should be resolved through diplomacy. “The region cannot afford another war. Diplomacy is the only solution,” he said, adding that Pakistan opposes the use of force against Iran and any form of foreign intervention.

Addressing questions about diplomatic conduct, Andrabi said there is a clear difference between Pakistan’s treatment of Indian diplomats in Islamabad and the treatment faced by Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi.

“Pakistan’s approach is mature, civilized, and in line with diplomatic norms,” he said.

On Afghanistan, he said Pakistan seeks cordial relations across all sectors but has serious concerns over Pakistan-targeted terrorism originating from Afghan territory.

He said responsibility for the current situation rests with the Afghan Taliban government and that Islamabad expects verifiable evidence of concrete steps to prevent cross-border infiltration and militant attacks.

The spokesperson also strongly condemned an incendiary speech by the administrator of a madrassa in Khost, Afghanistan, calling it irresponsible and provocative, and urged Afghan authorities to take action.

Andrabi also responded to a question on the European Union’s criticism of the convictions of human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha, after the EU said the sentences raised concerns about freedom of expression.

He said the punishments were awarded in accordance with Pakistan’s laws and described the matter as an internal issue.

Andrabi added that both individuals have the right to appeal before competent courts, noting that Pakistan’s legal system provides avenues for judicial review.

He said Pakistan values its longstanding relations with the European Union and expects ties to continue on the basis of mutual respect.

Responding to another question, Andrabi said Pakistan would not comment on agreements between other sovereign states, referring to a recent deal between India and the United Arab Emirates.

He said Pakistan enjoys close and brotherly relations with the UAE and maintains a relationship based on respect.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation Wednesday with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Office said.

According to the spokesperson, both leaders expressed concern over the rapidly changing regional situation and agreed that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to remain in close contact and continue diplomatic engagement.