Pakistan Denies Removing “Not Valid for Isr@el” Clause from Passports
ISLAMABAD | October 31, 2025 —
The Pakistani government has formally denied reports that it had removed the longstanding clause on Pakistani passports stating they are “valid for all countries of the world except Israel”. These rumors were carried by some Indian media outlets and claimed that Pakistan had quietly amended its passport policy and was preparing to send 20,000 troops to Gaza. (Dawn)
📝 Official Clarification
A statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting referred to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan (MoFA), clarifying that Pakistan’s position on Israel remains unchanged — it does not recognise Israel as a state.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports confirmed that the passport text still reads: “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.”
🧐 Context & Background
- Recent reports suggested that Pakistan was poised to deploy troops to Gaza and had altered its passport clause. The government described these as “baseless propaganda”.
- Earlier, the Foreign Office had reaffirmed that Pakistani passports explicitly say they are “not valid for travel to Israel”, making visits to Israel with such passports legally impossible under current regulation. (Radio Pakistan)
🌍 Foreign Policy Implication
The clause in the Pakistani passport is a symbolic reflection of the country’s official position. Support for the Palestinian cause and non-recognition of Israel. Pakistan has reiterated. That it will not alter its stance unless a just settlement is reached for Palestine under UN resolutions.
🔍 Why It Matters
- The passport clause is often cited in analyses of Pakistan’s foreign-policy identity. And diplomatic posture toward Israel and the broader Middle East.
- In a region with shifting dynamics (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel relations evolving). Any suggestion of a policy change invites scrutiny and media attention.
