The Foreign Office (FO) clarified that it had no knowledge of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Tourism Coordinator, Sardar Yasir Ilyas, reportedly meeting with an Israeli tourism official during an event in London.
The clarification followed a viral video showing Ilyas interacting with Michael Izhar-Kov, Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, at the World Travel Market in London from November 4–6, 2025. The clip sparked social media discussions, including posts by Israeli journalist Rai Kais linking the meeting with Sardar Yasir to speculation over Pakistan potentially joining a multinational force planned for Gaza.
UK-based journalist Murtaza Ali Shah offered a different perspective, stating that Israeli attendees visited the Pakistan Pavilion without prior notice and engaged with Pakistani officials without identifying themselves.
FO Statement
During the FO’s weekly briefing, spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, “I have no information regarding this meeting. The individual mentioned is a public figure, and the matter should be clarified with him directly.” He emphasized that no report confirmed any meeting between a Pakistani government representative and an Israeli official and added that any such interaction would not have been authorized by the government.
Regarding earlier claims of Pakistanis visiting Israel, Andrabi reiterated that such trips were unauthorized and could result in legal consequences. “Interactions with Israel are not authorized,” he stated.
Public and Political Reactions
The video drew strong political and public criticism. Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan condemned the handshake as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Writer Fatima Bhutto called it “disgusting treason,” while PTI leader Shireen Mazari questioned the circumstances surrounding the interaction.
Pakistan and the International Stabilization Force (ISF)
On Pakistan’s potential role in the ISF, Andrabi stated that no final decision had been made. Discussions are ongoing at the UN Security Council, and any decision would involve both the government and Parliament.
Pakistan’s Position on Israel
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, Andrabi said the country continues not to recognize Israel and fully supports Palestinian rights, including the creation of an independent state based on the 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He also rejected claims that Pakistan had removed passport restrictions barring travel to Israel.
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