Senior US Senator Lindsey Graham has sharply criticized Pakistan over its stance on the Abraham Accords, calling Islamabad “more than problematic” as a potential regional mediator. Graham’s remarks came after Pakistan publicly rejected former US President Donald Trump’s appeal for the country to join the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and several Muslim-majority nations. The senator also urged Pakistan to formally respond to Trump’s proposal regarding participation in the diplomatic framework.
The controversy was triggered by comments from Pakistan’s defense minister, Khawaja Asif, who rejected any agreement involving Israel, arguing that such a move would conflict with Pakistan’s “fundamental ideologies.” Pakistan has historically refused to recognize Israel, maintaining its long-standing position that diplomatic ties cannot be established until a just resolution to the Palestinian issue is reached. The remarks reignited debate over Islamabad’s foreign policy stance and its role in regional diplomacy.
The Abraham Accords, first introduced in 2020 under the Trump administration, led to diplomatic normalization agreements between Israel and countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Supporters of the accords have argued that they promote regional stability, economic cooperation, and security partnerships in the Middle East. Critics, however, contend that the agreements sidelined the Palestinian issue and increased political tensions in parts of the Muslim world.
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Graham’s latest comments reflect growing frustration among some American lawmakers regarding Pakistan’s foreign policy positioning and its relationship with US strategic initiatives in the region. The remarks could further strain diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Islamabad at a time when both countries are already navigating complex geopolitical challenges involving regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and Middle East diplomacy. Pakistan’s government has not yet issued a detailed response to Graham’s latest criticism.
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