Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s Foreign Office has declared that the country’s position on Israel remains unchanged, following the reports that a group of Pakistani journalists secretly travelled to Israel earlier this month.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the FO dismissed speculation of any policy shift, stressing that Pakistan does not recognize Israel and continues to support Palestinian rights.
“The government has noted reports regarding Pakistani journalists travelling to Israel. In this regard, it is clarified that Pakistani passports explicitly state they are ‘not valid for travel to Israel.’ Therefore, no such trip is possible under existing regulations,” the statement read.
The ministry reaffirmed Islamabad’s “steadfast support” for an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with United Nations resolutions.
The clarification follows a report by The Jerusalem Post, which stated that a delegation of eleven Pakistani journalists travelled to Israel this month.
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The visit, organised by the Israeli NGO Sharaka, included meetings with Israeli officials and tours of important sites, such as the Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem and areas affected by the October 7 Hamas attacks.
One unnamed participant, identified only as “B” in an interview with The Media Line, claimed that Pakistan’s government harbours an interest in developing relations with Israel but is unable to do so due to domestic political pressures, especially from religious groups.
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The revelation has sparked debate, with critics questioning how the delegation managed to undertake a visit to Israel despite travel restrictions.
The group reportedly entered Israel through a third state, avoiding passport stamps to ensure their safe return.
