Recognition of Israel is inevitable
Arshad Sulahri
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is called the aqueduct of Pakistan. Pakistan is a direct party in the Jammu and Kashmir issue. Pakistanis have bloody, religious, political, and social ties with Kashmiris. Millions of Kashmiri people live in Pakistan. Kashmiri refugees truly love Pakistan and consider Pakistan as their homeland. Proud to be Pakistani instead of an immigrant. The hearts of the Kashmiri people beat on both sides. The Pakistani people are also maintaining a real relationship with the Kashmiris.
On August 15, 2019, the Central Government of India terminated the statehood of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Instead of the state constitution, the state flag and the special status of the state, Jammu and Kashmir were usurped by declaring it a federal administrative part of India. The government and the people of Pakistan were watching. As the Indian occupation of Kashmir was consolidated, there were light protests in Pakistan.
There have been talks with India on the Kashmir issue. Peace process efforts are also ongoing. Within India, there are many Kashmiris forums and political parties that discuss the Kashmir issue in different ways. High-level talks between Pakistan and India have been held several times to resolve the dispute.
We are not directly involved in the Palestinian issue. There must be a first qiblah and a religious relationship. As Muslims, we have all our sympathies with the Palestinians. Israel’s atrocities and human rights violations in Palestine are not hidden. The construction of ghettos in Gaza is also an open robbery on the rights of the Palestinian people and an act of Israeli bullying.
Israel’s action cannot be supported by undermining human rights and the Palestinian right to self-determination, and most countries around the world, including Pakistan, condemn Israel’s move, but also emphasize that Negotiations should find a two-state solution. Dialogue is essential for a lasting solution to Palestinian independence, sovereignty and the end of atrocities.
Pakistan’s political circles are also in favor of a two-state solution and are willing to recognize Israel, but there is a fear of a backlash from religious circles that prevent them from expressing themselves. Recognizing Israel is a political issue. It has nothing to do with religion. We cannot win a war with hatred. We have lost a lot by preaching hatred. The last resort.
Extremism, bigotry and hatred can provoke emotions, but no lasting solution to any problem can be found. We have seen Russia disintegrate, including hoisting flags at Delhi’s Red Fort and erasing Israel from the face of the earth, and now we will see the United States fall apart. The time for slogans has passed. These hate shops are closed. The new generation wants to see prosperity and peace.
Problems can only be solved through tolerance, patience, courage, strategy, dialogue and peace. If we are to travel with dignity in the international arena, then we must correct our image. We have to tell the world that we are peace-loving. The fabric of terrorism should not be attributed to us. Pakistan’s decision-makers will have to take unpopular steps. The power of decision must be created.
It is gratifying that the issuance of a new passport has been announced. It will no longer be said that this passport is valid for all countries except Israel. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s visit to the UAE is also a positive development. Pakistan’s friendly countries include Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, the Maldives, Morocco, Sudan, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian Muslim countries, including Bosnia and Israel. The Sultanate of Oman has also practically recognized Israel. All that remains is to be announced.
