A delegation of Pakistani journalists and educators recently visited Israel, defying a longstanding travel ban imposed by Pakistan, a country that does not recognise the Jewish state. The 10-member group, brought to Israel by the Israeli NGO Sharaka, marks the largest delegation from Pakistan to visit under the organisation’s efforts to promote engagement with Muslim-majority nations.
Journalist and documentary filmmaker Sabin Agha, one of two women in the group, expressed her surprise at the experience, stating that her visit challenged long-held perceptions about Israel and Jewish communities. She described the state narrative in Pakistan and the wider Muslim world as one-sided, saying that her first-hand experience in Israel presented a different reality.
The delegation visited sites including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, and communities in southern Israel affected by attacks on 7 October 2023. Kaswar Klasra, editor-in-chief of The Islamabad Telegraph, remarked on the warm reception the group received upon arrival, adding that his experience countered prevailing negative views about Israel in Pakistan.
Most delegation members declined interviews or photographs due to security concerns and potential repercussions upon their return to Pakistan. However, Klasra stated that he was committed to sharing his experiences, even if it meant professional consequences.
The Pakistani Foreign Office has denied any official involvement in the visit, reiterating that Pakistan’s position on Israel remains unchanged. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan emphasised that Pakistan does not recognise Israel and supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.
Government officials are currently gathering information about the individuals involved in the visit. Khan suggested that some participants might hold dual nationalities, which could have enabled their entry into Israel.
Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported that the Pakistani delegation entered Israel despite their passports explicitly stating that they are not valid for travel to the country. To safeguard the group, their passports were not stamped, and news of the visit was only published after their return.