Pakistan and Israel diplomatic ties

To the surprise of many, Pakistan’s current government has decided to establish diplomatic relations with the State of Israel. If Pakistan recognizes Israel, it will be the seventh Islamic country to open its doors to its Jewish cousins. The Pakistan-Israel alliance will potentially be the most significant step toward the Middle East Peace Process since the Oslo Accords.

For several reasons, Pakistan and Israel have long been close allies, but have never acknowledged each other publicly. The most crucial reason was Israel’s hostility towards Palestine, which has created many issues for Muslim states like Pakistan.

Fortunately, we have a government willing to establish a friendly relationship with Israel. Suppose the process is followed correctly and Pakistan shakes hands with Israel; in that case, the alliance could lead to some exciting developments. Pakistan can be a mediator to establish peace between Israel, Palestine, Iran, and the Middle East. The diplomatic alliance would be significant for South Asia, especially Kashmir. Pakistan can leverage India to lift the curfew in Kashmir with the help of Israel.

Pakistan and Israel are two politically, culturally, socially, and geographically separate countries. Pakistan is in South Asia, while Israel is in the Middle East. Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country, while Israel is a Jewish country. The people of both countries have different cultures, values, and beliefs that can’t be compared with one another.

These differences often lead to conflicts between countries. When two countries fail to ally, other nations gain power and dominance, get involved, and convolute the competition. Unresolved conflicts can give birth to national menaces, including terrorism or extremism. When foes become friends, every country gets involved in the peace-building process. Israel is not the enemy. Tel Aviv had shown interest in the past in befriending Pakistan. It was Pakistan that rejected Israel’s diplomatic advances.

The conflict between the two countries can be resolved through diplomacy, negotiation, arbitration, mediation, and military means. The conflict between Pakistan and Israel is quite complicated. While both the countries have been at each other’s throats, they share common interests. Pakistan can peacefully end its animosity towards Israel if both are willing to talk without any precondition. Suppose either of these countries refuses to negotiate with the other. In that case, there will be more conflicts in the future which may lead to global wars. If the dispute is not solved quickly, problems will get out of hand as we have seen in Syria. People had suffered civil unrest since 2011 when President Bashar al-Assad refused negotiations with rebel groups until 2018 when he finally agreed to peace talks after losing many battles against rebel forces who wanted freedom from dictatorship rule over Syria.

Israel and Pakistan have been at odds for decades. Israel has a strong economy, a strong military, and an active foreign policy that makes it a formidable foe for any country in the region. On the other hand, Pakistan has been struggling since 1947. Its economy is far from being able to challenge Israel’s economic might. The diplomatic relationship between these two countries would bring peace to the Middle East region and the international community.

Unfortunately, the All Pakistan Democratic Alliance (APDM), including PML-N, PPP, ANP, and JUI, conspired and systematically sabotaged a well-established government: PTI. Now that Pakistan’s economy is between a rock and a hard place, Pakistan needs to revive the economy by any means necessary. Having diplomatic relations with Israel means working towards peace and having opportunities for countries to invest in Pakistan.

Foreign investments mean that investors will create jobs and help build industries that will provide employment opportunities for thousands of people in Pakistan. The acquisition will also contribute to making Pakistan’s infrastructure better than before, which will enhance connectivity between different cities as well as various rural areas with urban centers. The strong economy of Pakistan will attract more foreign investors, and peace in the region will make it easier for them to come here. Pakistan’s tourism industry will thrive because Pakistan will be able to promote northern beauty and southern history, and Pakistani food to the rest of the world.

The medical industry in Israel is one of the world’s most advanced and innovative. With a solid medical technology industry, a robust medical research industry, a strong medical education industry, and a strong medical tourism industry, Israel can provide Pakistan with high-quality and affordable healthcare.

One of the unique features of this relationship would be the opportunity for Pakistanis to learn from the best practices: water treatment, agriculture, and defense techniques. Israeli experts might come to Pakistan to provide training on these subjects.

Both Pakistan and Israel have a lot in common that many people do not realize. Pakistan sought independence in the name of religion, language, religious practices, history, culture, and a different way of life, but so did the state of Israel. Both nations are experiencing animosity from their neighbouring countries. On top of that, both countries have been a victim of terrorism. Both countries are secular and deal with religiously ultra-orthodox and orthodox nationalist conservative groups. Although Israel is economically developed, Pakistan, on the other hand, has economic growth potential that was witnessed between August 2018 – April 2022. Both countries got rid of the British rule.

Israel can boost the economy of Pakistan if there is peace between the two countries. More companies will invest money in Pakistan when they don’t have to worry about terrorist attacks. Imagine the economic growth, the establishment of world-class universities, and medical facility providers.

Improved infrastructure in Pakistan is also a key factor attracting foreign investors’ attention. Pakistan’s economy has grown steadily and displayed aggressive improvements in many industries. Pakistan has been among the top 20 fastest-growing economies in the last five years. Further, Pakistan has largely been prosperous in improving its social indicators and ranking high on the human development index (HDI). In the past, HDI was negatively affected due to the security situation from 1987 to 2012. There is always room for improvement as far as economic growth and social welfare are concerned.

Improved infrastructure will play an essential role in improving both economic growth and social development in Pakistan because it would attract more foreign direct investment (FDI). The FDI will contribute significantly towards increasing productivity and job opportunities while developing and transferring technology, resulting in higher productivity. Subsequently, an increase in productivity would increase exports (and imports), thereby contributing positively toward GDP growth.

The relationship between Israel and Pakistan can end global conflicts. It will eradicate religion-based extremist organizations like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Tehreek Labbaik, and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Full-fledged diplomatic relations with Israel will create a power balance that will benefit the two and the world. In addition, Israel has developed several high-tech products which could prove helpful for Pakistan if it decides to buy and produce them locally at a lower price. We don’t have to rely on other countries who may use their technologies against us when they feel threatened by our growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region. So, it is time we overlook past mistakes and become friends with Israel. We don’t have to continue fighting with a country that never has threatened us. Friendship with Israel will be the best thing for Pakistan after the 1998 nuclear blasts.

The writer is a political enthusiast. He was a professor of psychology, sociology, criminology, and counter-terrorism in the US