Historically, Pakistan has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, but America's continued backing of Israel puts the nation in a tricky position.
Sputnik India, together with several Pakistani experts, explores the political and moral implications of Pakistan's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and tries to navigate a path forward.
Sputnik India, together with several Pakistani experts, explores the political and moral implications of Pakistan's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and tries to navigate a path forward.
Historical Ties to Palestine
Pakistan has a long history of supporting the Palestinian cause, rooted in its commitment to the principles of justice, self-determination, and international law. Pakistan recognised the State of Palestine in 1988 and has consistently advocated a two-state solution that respects the rights and aspirations both of Israelis and Palestinians.
Over the years, Pakistan has contributed to humanitarian efforts in Palestine and raised the issue on international platforms.
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City
© AP Photo / Fatima Shbair
Since the latest escalation in hostilities in the region, the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday said that a two-state solution for Palestine was the only way to achieve peace in the Middle East, adding that Pakistan would mobilise support for the Palestinian cause at international forums such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Stressing that Pakistan did not recognise Israel, Kakar said that his country had always "traditionally" stood by the Palestinian cause.
"And with this support, we ensure its continuity on the diplomatic, social and political fronts and we will continue to do that," Kakar added.
However, Pakistan's commitment to the Palestinian cause exists in a complex web of international relations, especially its reliance on Western aid, particularly from the United States.
A former three-star military official in Pakistan's Armed Forces, Hassan Zulfiqar, told Sputnik India that "American assistance to Pakistan is not merely monetary; it extends to military support, which is vital for Pakistan's national security".
Pakistan Army Medical Corps personnel march past long-range ballistic Shaheen III missiles during the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2016.
© AFP 2023 AAMIR QURESHI
Hence, given the significant US influence over global politics, the dilemma for Pakistan is clear: how to keep receiving vital aid while expressing support for Palestine, especially in the face of the US alliance with Israel.
Political and Diplomatic Measures
According to Zulfiqar, Pakistan may consider adopting a nuanced approach that balances both political realities and moral obligations. Some of the steps the country can take include:
Diplomatic Engagement: "Pakistan should continue to engage in diplomatic efforts to encourage a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This includes supporting international initiatives for dialogue and a two-state solution," Zulfiqar said;
Balanced Public Statements: While reaffirming its commitment to Palestinian rights, Pakistan should strike a balance in its public statements to avoid alienating Western allies;
Backchannel Diplomacy: According to the security analyst, "the country can use backchannel diplomacy to express its concerns about Israeli policies and seek avenues for a peaceful settlement".
Multilateral Forums: Engaging in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement allows Pakistan to garner support for the Palestinian cause while maintaining constructive relationships with Western powers.
The Non-Aligned Movement is a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. After the United Nations, it is the largest group of states worldwide. The movement was formed in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1961 through an initiative of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah, and Indonesian President Sukarno.
Morally Sound Policy
Talking about Pakistan's moral stance in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Pakistan's former diplomat to the UAE, Khalid Mahmood, said that by consistently advocating the rights of the Palestinians, Pakistan can align itself with international norms and principles of justice.
"[Pakistan] can support human rights and self-determination without necessarily antagonizing its Western allies," Mahmood told Sputnik India.
Обломки зданий, пострадавших в результате ракетных ударов ВС Израиля по Газе
© AP Photo / Fatima Shbair
"The key is to strike a balance between expressing its position and maintaining diplomatic relationships that serve its national interests," he added.
Both the security experts agreed that, overall, Pakistan's dilemma between supporting the Palestinian cause and receiving Western aid is a complex issue that requires a carefully calibrated approach.
Nevertheless, the South Asian country should prioritise its national interests without abandoning its moral obligation to promote the rights of the Palestinians. Balancing these concerns is a challenge, but with diplomacy, engagement and moral conviction, Pakistan can navigate this delicate geopolitical tightrope successfully.
In doing so, it can contribute to the global pursuit of a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.