July 13, 2025
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has firmly denied reports suggesting that Washington is pressuring Islamabad to recognize Israel. Speaking at a community event in Dallas, Sheikh emphasized that Pakistan’s foreign policy remains rooted in the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and continues to uphold unwavering support for Palestinian rights.
“There is absolutely no pressure from the US regarding the recognition of Israel,” Sheikh stated, addressing growing speculation surrounding American efforts to expand the Abraham Accords—a diplomatic initiative aimed at normalizing ties between Israel and Arab nations.
The ambassador’s remarks come amid renewed international focus on Middle Eastern diplomacy following the Iran-Israel ceasefire and reports that Saudi Arabia may be considering normalization. Despite these developments, Pakistan has maintained its longstanding position: recognition of Israel will only be considered after a just resolution to the Palestinian issue.
Sheikh also highlighted the evolving nature of Pakistan-US relations, noting increased cooperation in trade, energy, and technology. He pointed to Pakistan’s abundant electricity reserves as a strategic asset for emerging industries such as cryptocurrency mining, and confirmed that Islamabad is drafting a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital and virtual assets.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed Sheikh’s stance, rejecting media reports that claimed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had acknowledged US pressure. A spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of Palestine.
As global dynamics shift, Pakistan’s position remains clear: diplomatic recognition of Israel is contingent on justice for the Palestinian people, not geopolitical convenience.
