What happened
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on 26 May 2026 urged the government to maintain an “absolute and unwavering” policy of non-recognition of Israel and to reject any participation in normalisation initiatives such as the Abraham Accords, The News reported.
In a policy statement, the party said the government must respect the sentiments of the Pakistani public, which it said has consistently supported the Palestinian cause, and uphold Pakistan’s longstanding position of not recognising Israel until a just and comprehensive resolution was reached.
What PTI said
The statement came in response to remarks by US President Donald Trump, who encouraged several countries, including Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords. Trump also noted that “one or two” countries may have reasons not to participate, and that such a stance would be accepted.
The PTI urged the government to engage constructively with the United States while maintaining its principled position on Palestine and Israel. “Pakistan’s policy of complete non recognition of Israel is fundamental and must remain fully intact,” the party said. It also urged the government to contribute to humanitarian efforts, including the reconstruction and development of Gaza, and said lasting Middle East peace required a just and sustainable solution upholding the rights of the Palestinian people.
The party said it would continue to work with international partners and Muslim nations to advance those objectives, and described its position as rooted in international law and solidarity with oppressed peoples under the leadership of its chairman, Imran Khan.
TTAP response
Separately, the Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-e-Pakistan expressed concern over Trump’s demand that Muslim countries sign the Abraham Accords and asked Pakistan to take a clear stance. Its spokesman, Akhunzada Hussain, called the accords “a fraud to provide legal protection to Israeli aggression” and demanded that the government take an immediate and unequivocal stand and present its position before parliament and the public. The alliance had days earlier held nationwide protests against Imran Khan’s imprisonment, rising inflation and fuel prices.
Why it matters
The statements illustrate domestic pressure on the government over any shift in Pakistan’s long-standing position on Israel, at a time when the United States has been encouraging Muslim-majority countries to join the accords.
