An Unlikely Ally: How Imran Khan Could Shape
Israeli-Pakistani Relations, by Aynur Bashirova
Pakistan’s
Historical Stance on Israel.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/an-unlikely-ally-how-imran-khan-could-shape-israeli-pakistani-relations/
Pakistan has long been one of the staunchest supporters of the
Palestinian cause, arguably more so than many other Muslim-majority countries.
This position is rooted deeply in Pakistan’s identity as an Islamic Republic
and its broader commitment to the ummah, or global Muslim community. The notion
of recognizing Israel has historically been seen as contradictory to this
identity, particularly given the country’s foundational links to the larger
Islamic world.
The pro-Palestinian stance is not only political but also deeply
embedded in Pakistani society and public opinion. This is reflected in the
consistent policies of successive Pakistani governments, which have included
open condemnations of Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories, refusal
to engage in diplomatic relations, and support for Palestinian statehood at
international forums such as the United Nations.
The intensity of Pakistan’s anti-Israel sentiment can be traced back to
its founding in 1947, during which it sought to establish itself as a leader of
the Muslim world, aligning with other Muslim nations that opposed the creation
of Israel. This alliance was further solidified through Pakistan’s membership
in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other Islamic blocs, where
the Palestinian cause has remained a central issue.
Imran Khan’s Public Stance and Strategic
Calculations
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Imran Khan publicly maintained
Pakistan’s traditional support for the Palestinian cause. He condemned Israeli
actions in Gaza, voiced support for Palestinian rights, and dismissed the idea
of normalizing relations with Israel as long as the Palestinian issue remained
unresolved. These positions were consistent with both domestic expectations and
Pakistan’s longstanding foreign policy.
However, Imran Khan’s tenure was marked by a pragmatic approach to
foreign relations, often characterized by a balancing act between public
rhetoric and behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Khan’s pragmatism is evident in his
broader foreign policy maneuvers, where he sought to strengthen ties with both
traditional allies like China and Saudi Arabia and to open channels with
adversaries when it suited Pakistan’s interests. This approach suggests that
Khan may have been more open to reevaluating Pakistan’s position on Israel than
his public statements indicated.
The Influence of the Goldsmith Family and Western
Elites
Imran Khan’s close relationship with the Goldsmith family, particularly
his ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith, is well-documented and plays a significant role
in understanding his potential shift in stance towards Israel. The Goldsmith
family is part of the British elite, with Zac Goldsmith, Jemima’s brother,
having been involved in British politics, including a bid for the London
mayoralty.
Zac Goldsmith’s connections to Jewish and pro-Israel circles in the UK,
along with the broader influence of the family within Western elite circles,
could have provided Khan with a different perspective on Israel. Khan’s support
for Zac Goldsmith in the London mayoral election, even against a fellow Muslim
candidate, Sadiq Khan, underscores his loyalty to the family and their broader
network, which in turn have supported him in the past.
There have been reports suggesting that Imran Khan sent messages to
Israeli officials through the Goldsmith family, signaling a potential
willingness to consider normalizing relations between Pakistan and Israel and
his willingness to moderate the religious discourse in Pakistan. If these
reports are accurate, they suggest a level of flexibility in Khan’s approach to
Israel that goes beyond the traditional Pakistani stance. This potential
willingness to engage with Israel could be seen as a strategic move to align
Pakistan’s foreign policy with the changing dynamics of the Middle East.
The Potential for Mediation and Regional Shifts
Imran Khan’s Western education and his ability to navigate between
different cultural and political spheres position him uniquely as a potential
mediator between Israel and Muslim states. His tenure as Prime Minister was
marked by efforts to improve relations with key Middle Eastern players like
Saudi Arabia and the UAE—both of which have shown signs of warming relations
with Israel through the Abraham Accords and other normalization efforts.
Khan’s ability to bridge gaps between the West and the Islamic world
could theoretically allow him to play a similar role in Israeli-Pakistani
relations, if he were to return to power. His personal relationships and
strategic outlook could be leveraged to mediate between Israel and other
Muslim-majority countries, contributing to a broader regional realignment.
However, any attempt by Khan to shift Pakistan’s stance on Israel would
be fraught with challenges. The political landscape in Pakistan is heavily
influenced by religious organizations, many of which hold strong anti-Israel
sentiments. Public opinion is also overwhelmingly against recognizing Israel,
and any move towards normalization would likely face significant backlash from
both the public and religious leaders.
Despite these challenges, Khan has previously shown a willingness to
challenge the status quo, particularly in areas like education reform and
women’s rights, where he has taken on powerful religious organizations. This
suggests that he might be willing to take a more nuanced approach to Israel if
he believes it could serve Pakistan’s broader strategic interests.
Speculation in a Rapidly Changing Middle East
While the idea of Imran Khan shaping Israeli-Pakistani relations remains
speculative, it is not without merit given the rapidly changing geopolitical
dynamics in the Middle East. The normalization of relations between Israel and
several Arab states has shown that long-standing hostilities can be overcome
through pragmatic diplomacy. These developments suggest that other
Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, could potentially reevaluate
their positions on Israel in the future.
The Middle East is in the midst of a significant realignment, driven by
shifting alliances, economic interests, and the shared threat of extremism. In
this context, Imran Khan’s potential role in shaping Pakistani-Israeli
relations serves as a reminder that diplomacy often involves unconventional
thinking and unexpected alliances. As the region continues to evolve,
Pakistan’s foreign policy may also adapt in ways that were previously
unthinkable, potentially opening the door to a new era of relations between
Israel and the broader Islamic world.
Israel and its allies must do whatever they can to insure that Imran
Khan is free again to participate in Pakistani politics and be the voice that
channels moderation. Imran Khan’s unique position, relationships, and strategic
thinking could influence Israeli-Pakistani relations, despite the significant
challenges and opposition he would likely face in attempting such a shift.
About the Author
I am an independent consultant, researcher, and writer based in
Brussels, focusing on writing, editing, translation, and communication
strategy. My areas of specialization are Middle East, post-Soviet space, EU,
security & defense, energy strategy, and geopolitics. What is more, I write
fiction. My languages are Azerbaijani, Russian, Turkish, English, and French. I
have two Masters' in European Studies (VUB, Brussels) and International Law
(University of Kent, Brussels branch), as well as Bachelor's in International
Affairs (VUB, Brussels). In addition, I have a certificate on Curriculum
Development in Critical Contemporary Antisemitism Studies (ISGAP, Oxford).