National Interest Comes First for Pakistan: Khawaja

News Desk 

Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has declared that Pakistan will safeguard its national interest if it comes under pressure to join the Abraham Accords. 

In a candid appearance on Nadeem Malik Live on Samaa TV, Asif stated that Islamabad would respond when a formal demand is made, emphasizing that internal consultations on the matter are already underway.

The Abraham Accords—signed in 2020—are a series of US-brokered agreements normalizing diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.

While maintaining a firm position, Asif acknowledged ongoing US support for Pakistan at international economic forums. He also reiterated that the Pakistani government had endorsed a nomination of US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, Asif said no talks occurred between him and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Although India sought to respond to his speech, permission was denied.

Asif also expressed concern over potential new military escalations with India, citing past tensions. He praised Pakistan’s downing of Indian jets as a “matter of national pride” and thanked China for its consistent diplomatic backing during conflicts. “Wherever needed, China stood by Pakistan,” he added, commending Pakistani media for playing a “responsible” role during times of crisis.

Taking aim at Indian leadership and media, Asif said, “Modi’s arrogance has been buried in the dust. Indian media’s warmongering is nothing but a circus.”

He further revealed that Pakistan supported Iran during the recent Iran-Israel confrontation, asserting that India’s shifting regional stance had cost it influence in Tehran. Asif concluded by emphasizing that Pakistan’s political and military leadership remain united.

Dar Rules Out Pakistan’s Participation in Abraham Accords

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has firmly rejected any possibility of Pakistan joining the Abraham Accords. 

At a press conference at the Foreign Office, Dar said such a move would be a betrayal of Pakistan’s longstanding support for the two-state solution in Palestine.

His comments came in response to remarks by US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who recently suggested that new countries—including some not previously considered—might join the normalization efforts with Israel. 

Witkoff’s statement followed a White House meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

He stressed that any engagement with the Abraham Accords would mean abandoning Pakistan’s consistent demand for a sovereign Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders.