THIS is with reference to the letter ‘In the national interest’ (Nov 30). Following the recent disturbing events in the Middle East, including the United States’ decision to shift its embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem, recognising Israeli occupation of Golan Heights, and such other steps, there has been a heated debate these days on whether Pakistan should reconsider its policy in this regard.

As Donald Trump succeeded in persuading the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to make their moves, the geopolitics evolving under this move is crystal clear. Trump pursued an aggressive foreign policy against Iran resting on the dynamics of ‘maximum restraint’ that has crippled its economy drastically. This has been done ostensibly to please entities in the Gulf.

It is undeniable that any decision by Pakistan to have ties with Israel without a two-state solution of the Palestine issue will be disastrous and unwise.

This will not only isolate the Palestinians, but will also create chaos and instability in the region as Iran stands firm with respect to maintaining its regional influence alongside external actors, such as Russia and China that are making their own moves in the region.

As far as Pakistan’s foreign policy is concerned, it has nothing to win or lose from siding with either Riyadh or Tehran. Pakistan shares its western borders with Iran and have deep strategic and ideological ties with Saudi Arabia.

Having diplomatic relations with Israel will upset Iran and weaken the dynamics of the China-Iran strategic partnership, while no substantial gratitude is expected from the Gulf.

Moreover, having anything to do with Israel might stagger Pakistan’s staunch, uncompromising and firm narrative on occupied Kashmir. Such a move might weaken Pakistan’s stance on Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, territorial sovereignty and human rights, which is the cornerstone of our Kashmir policy.

Thus, at this point in time, Pakistan must remain stern and should refuse to budge from its stated policy that no move will be made to recognise Israel unless Palestinians get their due rights. Modi’s Hindutva ideology is similar to Israeli’s Zionist movement, and Indian atrocities and war crimes are likened to a West Bank formula.

By making a step towards recognising Israel, Pakistan will not win any new friends and will risk losing the existing ones. On the other hand, it can enrage its own people, condemn the Palestinians into oblivion and lose whatever international attention it has succeeded in gaining over the Kashmir issue.

Therefore, it is apt to follow the foresight of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah who knew the difference between the oppressed and the oppressor, as was underscored by his silence over the issue of establishing ties with Israel after its independence.

Hadia Mukhtar
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2020