A New Era Beckons

Pakistan has the world’s second-largest Muslim population and as such, it cannot neglect the hub of the Arab-Israeli conflict and to let other Muslim countries, in many cases with much less importance than Pakistan itself, deal with this subject solely. As one of the world’s most populous countries and a key player in the Central Asian region with global aspirations, Pakistan should also play a key role in the efforts to bring an end to the more than a century-long conflict between Israel and its neighbours.

The geostrategic interests Pakistan and Israel share are vital. The nuclear issue, however, stands above them all.

If Islamabad normalizes its relations with Jerusalem, it could remain in step with the tectonic geopolitical shifting in the Middle East. After almost a century of American deep involvement in the Middle East, Washington is asking that its involvement in the region be reduced. While other key players — especially Russia and China — are getting in, Pakistan stays out and loses great opportunities. A peace treaty between Israel and Pakistan could make the difference and help Islamabad to play a key role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, correctly presenting Islamabad’s high status in the Muslim world.

Since 1948, Pakistan has refused to recognize Israel, mainly due to its solidarity with the Arab-Muslim countries. However, since the 1970s, numerous key Muslim countries and entities have signed peace agreements with Jerusalem — Egypt in 1978, the PLO in 1993, and Jordan in 1994. Four more Arab countries decided to recognize Israel in 2020 — the United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Morocco and Bahrain. All were motivated by their own interests.

Although the current government in Israel remains opposed to a Palestinian state, its acceptance in the region is a fact, and the Arab countries that decided to forge ties with Israel, either during the 1970s-1990s or the 2020s, succeeded in advancing their interests. Why then should Pakistan be left behind and not enjoy the possible benefits, such as strengthening its ties with the US? These would comprise receiving sophisticated weapons or diplomatic favours from Washington, having Jerusalem as a reliable mediator with India, reinforcing the economic benefits of trade with Israel and enjoying its well-known and state-of-the-art technological developments.

Pakistan and Israel do not share borders and historically do not have any direct or vital conflict. For this reason, there is no possibility that they will go to war at any time soon. On the other hand, Pakistan has diplomatic relations with countries such as India and Bangladesh, with whom it has fought wars and has had bloody clashes.

It can be asked, and correctly, what is preventing Islamabad from developing relations with Jerusalem, from which it can benefit in so many ways and in so many fields? The only reasonable answer is that the time has come for a new era to dawn between Pakistan and Israel, which will help to bring progress to both countries and promise peace and prosperity to the Middle East and Central Asia. I would like to tell our Pakistani friends, the time for peace between our great nations has come. The Israelis are ready to take that step forward and hopefully you are ready too!