AS a debate is going on whether or not Pakistan should accord recognition to Israel, the Foreign Office has done well by issuing a categorical statement that reiterates the country’s principled position that recognition of the Jewish State was off the table until just resolution of the Palestinian issue is found. The statement said “For just and lasting peace, it is imperative to have a two-state solution in accordance with relevant United Nations and Organization of Islamic Cooperation resolutions, with the pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as capital of a viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian State”.
The debate has been triggered by reports appearing in the world media about initiation of contacts between Israel and some Arab states as well as rumours of Pakistan being pressurized by the United States to follow the suit. A similar report quoted Prime Minister Imran Khan that the country was facing great pressure from Washington to recognize Israel but this will not be possible unless there was a just settlement that satisfies Palestine. The report was denied but issuance of a formal statement by the Foreign Office on the subject was important because of its timing and suggestions being made by some elements in this regard. It is satisfying that the Ministry has issued a brief but most comprehensive statement covering all aspects of the dispute, which should leave no doubt in the mind of anyone about Pakistan’s policy on the Middle-East crisis. The choice of words made by the Foreign Office are not only reflective of aspirations of people of Pakistan but would also be a source of inspiration for Palestinians, who are rendering sacrifices for a cause that is supported by the United Nations and overwhelming majority of the comity of nations. Pakistan never compromised on its just stand on the issue despite regional and global developments as well as lack of reciprocity on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. It always raised the issue at all available forums, condemned illegal occupation of Arab lands by Israel as well as atrocities against Palestinian people. It denounced the Israeli policy aimed at changing demographic composition of the occupied territories through establishment of illegal Jewish settlements and opposed moves by some countries especially the United States to shift their diplomatic missions to Al-Quds as it amounted to giving legitimacy to illegal occupation. There is no doubt that under pressure from the United States, some Arab countries are moving closer to Israel but this, in no way, changes the ground situation.
