Labeling Imran Khan as an ‘ally’ of Israel is pure madness



Imran Khan, the former prime minister (PM) of Pakistan and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is currently in detention but still making into the headlines due to some recent ludicrous assertions by Israel’s media describing Khan as an “ally” of the Zionist regime. These claims are not only far from reality but also appear to be driven by some ulterior motives like softening image of Zionist regime and paving way for its eventual recognition by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Imran Khan has severely condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling them as “genocide” and urging Muslim leaders to take a stand. In a message from Adiala Jail, he stated that over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed and criticized the violation of humanitarian laws by Israel. Former prime minister not only pressed the need for immediate international action to enforce a ceasefire, asserting, “I stand with Gaza” but also described Israel as a “rogue state” that disregards international norms and called for accountability from global leaders on backing this apartheid regime. In contrast, the current Pakistan government only managed to condemn Israel in response to wide spread anti-Israel protests by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party.1

Furthermore, the former PM of Pakistan, has consistently opposed recognizing Israel, asserting that Pakistan will not establish diplomatic ties until Palestinian rights are guaranteed. In past, as the PM of Pakistan he has emphasized that the entire nation supports the Palestinian cause and criticized any normalization efforts as long as the Palestinian issue remains unresolved. Infact, according to some political observers this was one of the main reasons that Khan fell out of favor from the company of Arab rulers who were adamant on Pakistan’s recognition of Israel during Khan’s tenure as PM to serve as a template for their countries’ eventual recognition of Israel in future. Also this principle stand of Imran Khan government resulted in Pakistan’s deterioration of relations with Gulf nations in the past.2 Therefore, claims by Israel’s media to label Khan as a better option to normalize relations with Israel in future are blatantly false and misguiding.

Also Imran Khan, is the only leader in recent times, to link the Palestinian plights to Kashmiris’, arguing that recognizing Israel would undermine Pakistan’s position on both issues, resulting in his government maintaining a firm pro-Palestinian policy throughout his tenure.

Ironically, political opponents in Pakistan have exploited Khan’s past connections, particularly his marriage to Jemima Goldsmith and recent Israel’s media campaigns to question his loyalty and depict him as pro-Israel lobbyist. But the close observation of above assertions suggest the opposite as it was Jemima not Imran, who converted to Islam at the request of latter. Also the claims made by Israel’s media appear to be of little to no credence as Khan has unequivocally opposed the recognition of Israel in the past. For instance he once said:

“I have no second thought about recognizing Israel unless there is a just settlement”

On another occasion he said following:

“Pakistan has a very straightforward position. It was our founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who was very clear that there has to be just settlement, a homeland for Palestinians before Pakistan can recognize Israel.”

Thus, the biggest reason that Israel would not wish to see Imran Khan in power again is his relatively staunch stance against the Zionist regime and conviction in the Palestinian independence. In contrast, two  delegations comprising of individuals from Pakistan have visited Israel since Khan’s removal from power in April 2022 which many believe had tacit support from the military establishment and incumbent government.

Prominent Pakistan journalist, Hamid Mir has also claimed the same. He stated that General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the former chief of Pakistan’s army, sought to establish relations with Israel, while then-Prime Minister Imran Khan was resistant to this move. Mir stated that Bajwa’s desire for engagement with Israel was evident, but Khan’s reluctance created tension between them. This pro-Israel stance by General Bajwa has been characterized by Mir as highly controversial among the public and political figures in Pakistan.

Another big reason which suggests that Benjamin Netanyahu’s government could be more anti Imran Khan rather than anything else is the fact that PTI founder is currently in race to become the next chancellor of Oxford University. Recently, the students and faculty members of the Oxford University have called for divesting funds away from corporations linked with the Zionist regime. So the election of Imran Khan as the new chancellor could further reinforce the support for the Palestinian cause in this august institution.3 While in comparison the other two prominent individuals running for the seat of chancellor i.e. William Hague and Peter Mandelson are pro-Israel candidates with the former describing Israel’s atrocious actions in Gaza as “legitimate objectives” aimed at ensuring Israel’s  “right of self defence”. And besides Israel, the other entity that is against election of Khan as the next chancellor of Oxford university is the Pakistan’s incumbent government who fears global condemnation on political victimization of PTI founder and its party.4

To label Imran Khan as an “ally” of Israel is as farcical as terming Ilhan Omar and Rashida Talib as pro-Israel politicians. Thus all claims pertaining to Imran Khan’s support of the Zionist regime are baseless, pointless and aimed at denting his political credentials. But indeed, Imran Khan is the least likely Pakistani political figure to ever recognize Israel due to his historical resistance to significant foreign pressure to formalize ties with Israel. So the aggressive political campaigns linking Khan with Zionist regime by incumbent government in Pakistan and Israel’s media are bound to fail due to lack of substance. Infact, such wayward campaigns would evoke even stronger response in favor of Palestinian resistance from the PTI founder who looks likely to be the new chancellor of Oxford university and also a potential PM of Pakistan in future.

REFERENCES

1.https://tribune.com.pk/story/2272148/pm-imran-says-under-pressure-to-recognise-israel?

2.https://thefridaytimes.com/13-Jul-2023/imran-khan-lashes-out-at-israel?

3.https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/oxford-must-cut-all-ties-with-israeli-war-machine-says-university-researcher/3217963?

4.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israelgaza-conflict-william-hague-calls-for-ceasefire-but-says-israel-has-the-right-to-defend-itself-9602121.html?