ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly criticised Israel’s decision to recognise the self-declared Somaliland region as an independent state, calling the move a clear breach of international law and established norms.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the announcement undermines the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia. Islamabad warned that the step threatens not only peace and stability within Somalia but also the wider region.
The foreign office urged the international community to collectively reject such actions and to prevent any moves that could derail ongoing efforts aimed at regional peace and stability.
Reaffirming its stance, Pakistan reiterated full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and pledged continued backing for initiatives focused on achieving lasting peace in the country.
The statement followed Israel’s announcement a day earlier, making it the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government would pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas including agriculture, health, technology and the economy, and invited Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, to visit Israel.
Netanyahu described the decision as aligned with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, while Abdullahi said Somaliland would join the accords, presenting the move as a step toward broader regional and global peace.
Separately, Islamabad also rejected any actions aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land. Pakistan reiterated its long-standing support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and its backing for an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
