The war in Gaza has once again placed the Palestinian question at the center of global politics. For decades, peace has remained elusive, with every initiative collapsing under the weight of mistrust and imbalance.
Yet amid the ruins of broken promises, one framework continues to stand as the only viable solution: the two-state solution—an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Pakistan Palestine Policy:
Pakistan’s position on this issue has never wavered. It has not recognized Israel, and it has no plans to do so. This stance is rooted in both principle and public sentiment: solidarity with the Palestinian people is not merely foreign policy but part of Pakistan’s national conscience.
Suggestions that Islamabad is quietly preparing to change its policy are nothing more than propaganda, designed to confuse public opinion and weaken Pakistan’s credibility abroad.
Trump’s 21-Point Gaza Plan
The debate has sharpened in recent weeks with the 21-point Gaza plan announced by President Trump. On paper, the plan promises a roadmap to stability—security arrangements, reconstruction aid, political reforms, and prisoner exchanges. Yet questions quickly emerged about its credibility. Reports indicate that the plan has gone through multiple drafts, with significant changes in language and scope.
Arab mediators including Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have privately expressed concern that the most recent version leans more heavily toward Israel’s security demands while offering Palestinians only conditional relief.
The Fundamental Problem
This raises a fundamental problem: can a peace plan succeed if it demands more disarmament than sovereignty, more concessions than guarantees? For Pakistan, which has always supported a just solution, these doubts reinforce the need for a firm, principled response.
Pakistan’s Unique Standing
Unlike many other states, Pakistan has the moral and political standing to influence the conversation. As the second-largest Muslim country, the only Muslim nuclear power, and one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces, Pakistan carries a unique combination of legitimacy and leverage. It is respected as a country that has consistently championed the rights of oppressed peoples, from Kashmir to Palestine. This credibility must now be used to ensure that peace efforts do not sideline justice.
Pakistan’s role should be threefold. First, diplomatic mediation: Pakistan can work with Palestinian factions to reduce internal divisions that weaken their bargaining power. Unity is essential if the Palestinians are to negotiate effectively. Second, international advocacy:
Strengthening Global and Domestic Legitimacy
Pakistan must take the floor at the United Nations, the OIC, and other forums to insist on transparency around the Trump plan, making clear that any peace initiative without a genuine two-state solution is destined to fail. Third, humanitarian leadership: Pakistan should expand its aid and reconstruction support for Gaza, turning moral solidarity into tangible relief.
This proactive role would not only serve Palestine but also elevate Pakistan’s position globally. In an era where narratives are shaped by perception, Pakistan’s leadership on the Palestinian issue demonstrates that it is not a passive observer but an active shaper of international diplomacy. It strengthens alliances with countries like Türkiye, Egypt, and the Gulf states, while reinforcing Pakistan’s moral authority across the Muslim world.
Domestically, this position reflects the overwhelming will of the Pakistani people. Support for Palestine has always cut across political divides and generations. Any shift in policy toward recognition of Israel would be politically untenable. By reaffirming its stance, Pakistan aligns foreign policy with public sentiment, strengthening both democratic legitimacy and diplomatic credibility.
Rejecting Propaganda
The propaganda suggesting Pakistan is preparing to recognize Israel is therefore not only false but dangerous. It distracts from the real issue: the urgent need for fair and transparent diplomacy to end the suffering in Gaza. By rejecting such narratives and asserting its principled stance, Pakistan demonstrates resilience against misinformation while focusing on constructive action.
Justice as the Core of Peace
Ultimately, the Gaza conflict is not just about territory—it is about justice, dignity, and the right to self-determination. Any plan, whether by Washington or regional actors, must be judged against these standards. If it fails to provide a path to a sovereign Palestinian state, it will be another false dawn.
A Defining Moment
Pakistan has an opportunity to lead at this pivotal moment. By standing firm on the two-state solution, countering propaganda, and offering diplomatic and humanitarian leadership, Islamabad can help steer the course of Middle East diplomacy. In doing so, it not only defends Palestinian rights but also strengthens its own position as a credible, principled, and influential power on the world stage.
