Pakistan has taken no decision on Israel recognition: Gilani

PESHAWAR: Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said Pakistan had not taken any decision regarding recognition of Israel, adding that the peace agreement with US President Donald Trump had been reached with consensus and broad consultation.

Speaking at a press conference at the Governor’s House here, Gilani said the deal was not the initiative of a single individual. “Our allies, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Indonesia, Turkey and Jordan, were part of this agreement. It was not only the prime minister’s or a field marshal’s decision, but a collective consensus,” he explained.

He assured that Parliament would be taken into confidence on the matter, noting that both the deputy prime minister and finance minister had already issued clarifications. “We are democrats. Differences of opinion are natural in democracy, but if the Constitution is followed, no crisis will emerge,” he remarked.

Highlighting constitutional reforms carried out under the PPP government, the acting president said his party abolished the two-term limit on the premiership and removed Article 58(2)(b), which empowered the president to dissolve Parliament. He said the 18th Amendment further devolved powers and granted provinces their due rights.

On foreign policy, Gilani stressed it was a federal matter. He praised former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for “effectively presenting Pakistan’s case” on international platforms, especially after Indian aggression.

Later, addressing a Business Summit at a local hotel, Gilani said Pakistan had conducted decisive operations against militants to restore peace, during which 2.5 million displaced people were resettled within 90 days. He cited Malala Yousafzai as an example of resilience, saying she had brought pride to Pakistan by winning the Nobel Prize despite being a victim of terrorism.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement Pakistan has unequivocally condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a vital humanitarian mission embodying global solidarity and moral resolve. The Israeli actions constitutes a grave violation of international law.

On September 16, 2025, Pakistan, alongside 15 nations, issued a joint statement expressing concern for the flotilla’s security.

The safety and well-being of Pakistani citizens aboard the flotilla are of paramount importance.

“As Pakistan does not recognize Israel, we are working closely with international partners in the region to secure their immediate release and ensure their safety,” the statement said.

Pakistan continues to coordinate with allied nations to safeguard its nationals, reaffirming its commitment to their swift and safe return.

Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan has been detained by Israeli forces while taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Palestine Action Coalition of Pakistan said in a statement on Thursday.

Ahmad, who was leading a five-member Pakistani delegation, joined the flotilla alongside international activists and humanitarian aid groups in an effort to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Israeli forces have intercepted 39 boats attempting to reach Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, leaving only one vessel still en route, organisers said on Thursday.

The flotilla, comprising 45 vessels carrying international activists and politicians, began its journey from Spain last month in an effort to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the recent Israeli attack on the Samud Gaza flotilla, describing it as a “dastardly” act.

In a post X, he said that Pakistan “strongly condemns the dastardly attack by Israeli forces on the 40-vessel Samud Gaza flotilla, carrying over 450 humanitarian workers from 44 countries.”

The prime minister expressed concern for those apprehended, saying, “We hope and pray for the safety of all those who have been illegally apprehended by Israeli forces and call for their immediate release.

“Their crime was to carry aid for the hapless Palestinian people.”

He added: “This barbarity must end. Peace must be given a chance, and humanitarian aid must reach those in need.”