An article in a leading Israeli publication has claimed that Imran Khan gave signs that he would favour a normalisation of ties between Pakistan an Israel. However, the military’s tough stance stands in the way of such a change.
The views were expressed in an opinion piece in the Jerusalem Post by Harry Richer, a foreign policy analyst who has served as an aide to a member of the UK parliament. The opinion piece has explored how far relations can be ‘realistically’ normalised between Israel and Muslim countries.
Richer wrote that although Pakistan has had a predominantly pro-Palestine stance throughout its history, there has been an ‘occasional sign’ that the country could improve its relations with Israel.
“Former prime minister Imran Khan – despite his strong rhetoric against Israeli policies – hinted at Pakistan needing to forge its own foreign policy path. This was particularly pertinent at a time when the rest of the Muslim world began to normalize ties with Israel on the basis of self-interest,” the article said.
The article goes on to say that Khan’s influence on Pakistan’s politics as the head of a major political party or ‘another like-minded and equally pragmatic leader’ could lead to normalisation of ties with Israel.
However, the article outlines two things in Pakistan that would have to change to bring about better ties with Israel.
The first is a change of the ‘strong resistance’ within the Pakistan military, according to Richer.
The other factor would require a change in the leadership of Pakistanto allow things to change.
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“… figures like Khan could very well be central in changing both public opinion and military policy alongside of course, the continuous evolution of regional dynamics,” the article said.
Richer also claims that normalisation with Israel could bring economic and strategic fruits for Pakistan as it struggles on both fronts.
Giving the example of trade increasing by 124% between UAE and Israel following normalisation, Richer says Pakistan could receive economic benefits such as ‘echnological support in agriculture, cybersecurity, and defense, not to mention potential financial investment, among other things.’
He goes on to add that normalising ties with Israel could bring ’stratetigic benefits.
A more diversified foreign policy on Pakistan’s part could also bring with it strategic benefits as it navigates its own complex relationships with both India and Afghanistan.
