They are not – if the goal becomes to capture the king, and check-related rules are removed from the game, stalemates become impossible.
Getting rid of check does make for a better game at beginner levels.
It's both easier to teach and leads to exciting finishes ss noobs hang their king.
It depends on the locations of the kings relative to the pawn ( you generally want it in-front of your own pawn ), and the concept of opposition.
So essentially it's a lost position for one player, but due to stalemate rule it will count as a draw.