Pakistan Backs Two-State Solution for Palestine
Pakistan's Foreign Office renewed support for an independent Palestinian state after an R4 foreign ministers' meeting in Istanbul.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in International Relations
Pakistan's Foreign Office called for a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict, proposing borders that existed before June 4, 1967 and East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state. The position followed an R4 foreign ministers' meeting in Istanbul that also addressed Yemen, the Red Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
The statement adds Pakistan's voice to diplomatic efforts around Gaza and Palestinian statehood while the R4 ministers condemned Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. Calls for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and unrestricted humanitarian aid highlight the regional stakes for global trade and civilians.
Pakistan's position ties its statehood proposal to the pre-June 4, 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as capital. The statement does not specify how these terms would be negotiated with Israel or other parties.
The players
Pakistan Foreign Office
The Pakistani government ministry responsible for the country's diplomatic relations and foreign policy statements.
R4 Foreign Ministers
A group of foreign ministers from regional countries that met in Istanbul to coordinate on Palestine, Yemen, and related Middle East security issues.
The details
The Foreign Office spokesperson shared Pakistan's position after the R4 foreign ministers' meeting in Istanbul, which discussed Palestine, Yemen, the United States, Israel, and Iran. Pakistan also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and Yemen and welcomed the Islamabad memorandum of understanding.
Timeline
October 23: R4 ministers met counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, and Britain in Istanbul.
October 26: Houthi ballistic missile attacks targeted the Makkah and Madinah regions.
Political Context
Pakistan's proposal reaffirms the two-state framework long associated with the Oslo Accords, which set the basis for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The statement adds specific border and Jerusalem terms, which remain contested in ongoing talks.
Shipping companies and travelers using the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea routes face continued security risks while Houthi attacks persist. Diplomatic statements like Pakistan's do not themselves change the security conditions on those routes.
The takeaway
Pakistan's statement shows how regional powers are framing Palestinian statehood and maritime security together. Readers should watch whether the proposed borders and Jerusalem terms move from statements into formal negotiations.
Further reading
For broader context on diplomatic positions like this, see International Relations.
