Some political questions remain difficult because generations inherit arguments before reconsidering them. Pakistan’s relationship with Israel is one such question.
For decades, the two states have had no diplomatic ties. Pakistan does not recognize Israel and has tied any shift to creating an independent Palestinian state. In September, Islamabad reaffirmed support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with east Jerusalem as a future state of Palestine’s capital.
That stance will not vanish overnight. But another question deserves attention: Can Pakistan support Palestinian rights while accepting Israel as a permanent reality in the Middle East, and that Israeli citizens have legitimate security concerns?
The answer should be yes. A just peace does not require Pakistan to abandon Palestine, nor Israel to surrender its security.
Israel is not going away
Whatever one’s view of Israeli policies, Israel exists. Millions of Israelis have built lives in this country. Jewish communities maintain historical and religious ties to the land. Israelis have endured wars, terrorism, rocket attacks, and hostage-taking, producing deep insecurity.
Recognizing this does not mean approving every action by an Israeli government. A country can have a legitimate right to exist while specific policies remain open to criticism. Pakistan can affirm two things simultaneously: Palestinians deserve freedom, dignity, and statehood; Israelis deserve security and to live without constant fear.
Palestine cannot be an afterthought
Pakistan’s support for Palestinian self-determination is embedded in foreign policy and public consciousness. Islamabad has repeatedly stated that a just peace requires an independent, sovereign Palestinian state.
Any discussion suggesting “recognize Israel and forget Palestine” lacks credibility in Pakistan.
The Palestinian issue cannot be a footnote. Yet supporting Palestinians must also mean backing a political solution offering more than perpetual conflict: functioning institutions, jobs, education, healthcare, reconstruction and security.
Gaza needs rebuilding. Palestinian institutions must govern. Israeli civilians need confidence that a future Palestinian state will not become a launchpad for violence.
The challenge is finding a framework where both peoples have something to protect by preserving peace.
Talking is not the same as recognizing
Diplomatic contact does not equal political surrender. Countries communicate with governments they disagree with – during wars, through intermediaries, via back channels. Pakistan could explore controlled communication without formal recognition.
Humanitarian issues, academic exchanges, regional security, trade, and technology could become areas for practical discussion. None requires abandoning support for Palestinian statehood.
Pakistan increasingly positions itself as a contributor to regional diplomacy. In 2026, it participated in multilateral Gaza efforts alongside the US, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and others.
Pakistan’s position is not simply ‘no’
Islamabad has not declared Palestinian statehood and relations with Israel permanently incompatible.
In January, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry described a viable Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital as the benchmark, adding that relationships with other countries, “including potentially Israel,” could be considered.
That wording leaves a door open. Diplomacy often begins when a country stops insisting every future possibility is closed.
A realistic road map
If Pakistan and Israel move closer, it should be gradual: indirect dialogue via third countries; humanitarian and technical contacts; academic, business, and civil-society exchanges; then quieter diplomatic engagement. Only much later should formal recognition be considered.
Pakistan must acknowledge Israel’s security concerns are real. Israel must recognize Pakistan’s relationship with Palestine is fundamental. The international community can help by creating guarantees and reconstruction mechanisms.
Peace must also be just
“Peace” cannot mean merely the absence of fighting. Agreements denying Palestinians political rights or leaving Israelis vulnerable will remain fragile. Ceasefires stop bullets; only political settlements change conditions.
Pakistan need not become Israel’s ally or abandon the Palestinian cause. It can advocate: Israel’s security and Palestinian freedom are not mutually exclusive.
A different conversation
Pakistanis should discuss Israel without being accused of abandoning Palestine. Israelis should discuss Palestinian rights without being accused of abandoning Israel.
That is what a mature peace conversation looks like. It does not ask people to forget history, but not to become prisoners of it.
The first step is conversation
Pakistan need not rush into recognition, nor close the door forever. The constructive path is creating space for dialogue while maintaining support for Palestinian self-determination.
If Palestinian statehood gains a credible pathway, Israeli security receives guarantees, and both sides prepare to coexist, Pakistan can reassess.
That is not betrayal. It is diplomacy. Peace begins when enough people decide the future matters more than permanent hostility.
Pakistan and Israel may remain far from formal relations. But distance need not mean silence. A just peace offers both peoples a future where security, dignity and human life are shared responsibilities.
That future is worth discussing.
The writer is the chairman of the Abrahamic Movement in Pakistan.