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In a swift response to misleading claims circulating in Indian media, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly clarified that the “not usable for Israel” clause remains in place on Pakistani passports, contradicting reports suggesting otherwise.
The controversy erupted when an Indian television channel broadcasted claims that Pakistan had removed the restriction from its travel documents, implying a potential shift in Pakistan’s longstanding position on Israel. The report quickly gained traction across regional media outlets before Pakistani authorities addressed the misinformation.
“The clause of ‘not usable for Israel’ in the Pakistani passport is still in place and no such change has been made,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated in its official rebuttal. The statement aimed to dispel any confusion regarding Pakistan’s diplomatic stance toward Israel, which it has never officially recognized.
Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director General of Immigration and Passports, reinforced this position by confirming that Pakistani passports continue to bear the explicit statement that they are “usable for all countries except Israel.” This restriction has been a consistent feature of Pakistani passports for decades, reflecting the country’s historical position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting took a stronger tone, condemning what it described as “false narrative” propagated by Indian media outlets. In its statement, the ministry characterized the report as part of a “larger campaign to spread malicious and fabricated stories about Pakistan” designed to undermine the country’s stance on key international issues.
The ministry specifically criticized what it termed “godi media,” a pejorative term used to describe media outlets perceived as being uncritically supportive of the Indian government. According to Pakistani officials, such outlets frequently deploy “unfounded and concocted stories” as tactical measures against Pakistan’s international positions.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of historically tense Pakistan-India relations and the complex geopolitics of the Middle East. Pakistan has maintained a consistent position of not recognizing Israel, primarily in solidarity with Palestinian causes. The ministry emphasized that “Pakistan’s position regarding Israel is very clear and unequivocal” and further stated that “no military cooperation is under consideration.”
The controversy highlights the ongoing media tensions between the neighboring nuclear powers, where misinformation can quickly escalate into diplomatic incidents. Both countries have frequently accused each other’s media of spreading false information designed to damage national interests or international standing.
International relations experts note that Pakistan’s stance on Israel differs markedly from recent normalization trends seen elsewhere in the Muslim world. Several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, have established diplomatic relations with Israel in recent years through the Abraham Accords facilitated by the United States.
Despite these regional shifts, Pakistan has maintained its historical position. Any change to passport regulations regarding Israel would represent a significant policy shift that would likely involve formal announcements rather than quiet administrative changes.
The Pakistani government’s rapid response to these claims demonstrates the sensitivity surrounding the issue and its determination to maintain clarity about its foreign policy positions, particularly on matters related to Israel and the broader Middle East.
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7 Comments
While sensationalized claims may attract attention, it’s reassuring to see the Pakistani authorities take swift action to correct the record. Fact-based reporting is essential, particularly on sensitive geopolitical topics.
Interesting development. It’s good to see Pakistan’s government quickly clarifying the facts and dispelling the misinformation. Consistency in foreign policy is important, especially on sensitive geopolitical issues like this.
The rapid response from Pakistan’s government demonstrates their commitment to providing accurate information and maintaining their long-held position on relations with Israel. It’s a wise move to address misinformation head-on.
Pakistan’s stance on Israel is well-established, so it’s not surprising they would maintain the restriction on passports. Transparency and clear communication from the government on such matters is crucial.
This seems like a classic case of regional media outlets running with unverified claims without proper fact-checking. I’m glad the Pakistani authorities promptly addressed the situation to set the record straight.
The Indian media’s false reporting on this issue is concerning. It’s important for all news sources to verify information, especially when it comes to diplomatic matters between neighboring countries with a complex history.
This episode highlights the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking when consuming news, especially on issues related to international relations. It’s encouraging to see the Pakistani government quickly address the misinformation.