Pakistan Investigating Reports of Journalists’ Alleged Visit to Israel: Foreign Office

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has reaffirmed that the country’s stance on Israel remains unchanged, emphasizing unwavering support for Palestine. During a weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that investigations were underway regarding reports of a delegation of Pakistani journalists and influential personalities allegedly visiting Israel.

“Pakistan’s position is crystal clear. There is absolutely no question of recognizing Israel or altering our long-standing policy on the Palestine issue,” the spokesperson asserted.

The spokesperson clarified that neither the Pakistani government nor the Foreign Office had any involvement in the reported visit and that authorities were gathering more information on the matter.

“We are still verifying details, including the travel documents used. Some of these individuals may hold dual nationality, but we will only comment further once the facts are clear,” he added.

According to a report published by the Israeli newspaper ‘Israel Hayom’, a delegation comprising 10 Pakistani journalists, researchers, and influential figures, including two women, visited Israel last week. The report claimed that the delegation traveled despite possessing Pakistani passports, which officially prohibit travel to Israel.

“To ensure their safety, their passports were not stamped, and the visit was kept confidential until they returned home,” the report further stated.

Pakistan does not recognize Israel as a state, and Pakistani passports explicitly mention that they are “not valid for travel to Israel.” The country has consistently advocated for a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital.

The alleged visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with global leaders weighing in on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The Foreign Office has assured that further updates will be provided once the investigation concludes.