ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of Islamabad establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, saying such a move may be considered in the future if Palestinians secure an independent homeland for themselves.

Pakistan does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and maintains a firm policy of non-recognition, rooted in its support for an independent Palestinian state in the Middle East with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. 

When asked during an interview with France 24 whether Pakistan will “normalize” relations with Israel similar to some other Muslim states, Asif answered:

“I don’t see this option even being considered by Pakistan.”

The defense minister said Pakistan could “maybe” consider establishing ties with Israel in the future once Palestinians have the right of self-determination in the Middle East and their own homeland. 

“So this [recognition] is something, you know, it’s not on the cards at all,” he said. 

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‘PROXY WAR’

Asif accused India of waging a “proxy war” against Pakistan via militant attacks, saying that New Delhi and Kabul, as well as militant outfits, “are on the same page.”

The Pakistani defense minister said Islamabad and New Delhi are not in direct or indirect contact with each other since India and Pakistan’s May 2025 armed conflict. 

He said some “friendly countries” had tried to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid increasing tensions. 

“But these attempts did not really produce any results,” Asif said.

The remarks come after Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi alleged that India was behind last month’s coordinated attacks in the southwestern Balochistan province, which the military says killed 18 civilians and 15 troops.

Pakistan has frequently blamed India for supporting militant attacks in the restive Balochistan and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, allegations that New Delhi has repeatedly denied.