Standing with Palestine

Pakistan has taken the moral high ground by refusing to jump on the bandwagon of the Abraham Accords. Despite whispers and nudges from international power corridors, Islamabad stayed true to its longstanding commitment to the Palestinian cause. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s reaffirmation of the two-state solution wasn’t just political lip service but a loud and clear message to the world: Pakistan won’t shake hands with an aggressor while Palestinian blood is still fresh on the ground. The idea of recognition, as the article rightly points out, is not just diplomatically risky but ethically indefensible, especially in light of Israel’s ongoing atrocities in Gaza. The article drives home the point that normalisation with Israel, under such gruesome circumstances, would mean siding with the oppressor and trampling on decades of principled foreign policy.

The editorial eloquently traces Pakistan’s ideological roots of solidarity with Palestine, quoting none other than the Quaid-e-Azam to prove this isn’t a seasonal stance but a deeply embedded value. In a rare show of unity, the political spectrum in Pakistan from conservatives to progressives stands shoulder to shoulder on this issue. Recognising Israel as the article suggests, would be nothing short of rewarding a state for war crimes. It isn’t just a matter of foreign policy, it’s a question of collective conscience. Pakistan’s refusal is not isolationism; it’s resistance. In an age of transactional diplomacy, this stance may not win favours in Washington, but it earns Pakistan moral currency where it counts.

Overview:

This editorial commentary on Pakistan’s continued refusal to recognise Israel, especially in the wake of the Abraham Accords. It highlights the ethical, historical and political dimensions that drive this stance, pointing to Israel’s violent occupation of Palestine and the widespread public sentiment in Pakistan that aligns with the Palestinian cause.

NOTES:

The article underscores Pakistan’s principled refusal to recognise Israel despite mounting international pressure, particularly under the Abraham Accords. It highlights the consistency of Pakistan’s foreign policy as reiterated by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar who reaffirmed the country’s support for the two-state solution and its moral stance against Israel’s ongoing atrocities in Gaza. The editorial stresses that diplomatic ties with Israel cannot be justified when Palestinians continue to suffer under occupation and that recognising Israel amid such bloodshed would equate to rewarding aggression. It draws from history, citing Quaid-e-Azam’s 1938 statement in support of Arab Palestinians to emphasize that Pakistan’s position is not new or reactionary but deeply rooted. Furthermore, the article points out that across Pakistan’s political and ideological spectrum whether left or right, there is unanimous support for the Palestinian cause. It suggests that normalization would be politically, morally and historically untenable especially while the Gaza genocide continues.

Relevant CSS syllabus topics:

• International Relations – Israel-Palestine conflict, Abraham Accords, Pakistan’s foreign policy doctrine
• Pakistan Affairs – Quaid-e-Azam’s views, evolution of Pakistan’s stance on Palestine
• Current Affairs – Contemporary Middle East diplomacy, Trump administration’s policies, Muslim world solidarity
• Essay Paper – Topics like “Ethics in Foreign Policy” or “Justice for Palestine: A Global Responsibility”

Notes for Beginners:

This article explains why Pakistan refuses to make peace with Israel. It shows that the decision is not based on emotion alone, but on deep values and support for justice. The government believes that forming relations with a country responsible for harming innocent Palestinians would be like ignoring their pain. Even Pakistan’s founder supported the Arabs in their fight for freedom. Today, all major groups in Pakistan agree on this issue, showing rare unity. When the world pushes for deals, Pakistan chooses principle over profit.

Facts and Figures:

• Pakistan has followed the same policy on Palestine for over 70 years
• The Abraham Accords were signed by UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco between 2020 and 2021
• The accords were first significant normalisation efforts after Egypt (1978) and Jordan (1994)
• Quaid-e-Azam expressed support for Palestinian Arabs in 1938
• Gaza has faced heavy bombardment and humanitarian crises in recent months

To wrap up, this editorial is a reflection of Pakistan’s conscience. In a world increasingly driven by self-interest, Pakistan’s refusal to legitimise an apartheid state is a bold act of moral clarity. The article reminds readers that sometimes, the right path isn’t the easiest or most profitable but it is the most just.

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