(Abdul Basit Alvi)
Pakistan’s Middle East policy is anchored in consistent historical, ideological, and moral principles, particularly on Palestine and the Abraham Accords. It has firmly refused to join the Accords due to its unwavering support for Palestinian self-determination and a sovereign state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, viewing normalization that overlooks occupation and Palestinian rights as unjust. While cautiously supporting the humanitarian goals of the Board of Peace in Gaza, Pakistan rejects any link to normalization with Israel and maintains its non-recognition stance, and its refusal to join a Gaza Stabilisation Force reflects its belief that lasting peace must address root political causes rather than rely solely on security measures, reaffirming that its position on Palestine is immutable and central to its foreign policy identity.
Similarly, Pakistan has taken a firm and principled stance on Iran amid rising regional tensions, urging resolution of all issues through sustained diplomacy, constructive dialogue, and peaceful engagement at forums such as the United Nations, while unequivocally opposing military action against Tehran. Shaped by its own conflict experiences, Pakistan believes military solutions worsen instability and human suffering. Given its geographic proximity, shared borders, historical and cultural ties, and interconnected security and economic concerns, it sees any conflict involving Iran as a direct threat to regional peace and its national stability. The Foreign Office of Pakistan has centrally articulated and defended these positions through consistent public messaging and diplomatic engagement worldwide, reflecting both public sentiment in Pakistan and broader Muslim world concerns. This alignment has strengthened the legitimacy of its foreign policy and public trust, while its clear and consistent communication has countered misinformation—particularly regarding distinctions between the Abraham Accords and humanitarian initiatives, its association with the Board of Peace, and its reservations about Western-led regional security efforts.
Domestically, the government’s clear and principled stance on these interconnected Middle Eastern issues has been widely appreciated, endorsed, and celebrated by the Pakistani populace. In an international environment often characterized by realpolitik, moral ambiguity, shifting loyalties, and purely transactional diplomacy, Pakistan’s willingness to openly, boldly, and freely express its point of view—even when it may not align with powerful global actors—stands out as a mark of sovereign dignity. A significant plurality of Pakistanis view this diplomatic assertiveness not as mere defiance but as a reflection of national strength, self-confidence, and intellectual independence. The widespread perception that Pakistan is standing firm, often with notable diplomatic courage, on issues of global justice, human dignity, and the sanctity of international law resonates deeply with a population that holds moral clarity and solidarity with oppressed peoples as cherished values. This popular appreciation transcends mere rhetorical support; it actively reinforces a powerful sense of national unity and pride, particularly in moments when Pakistan’s positions are seen to be in steadfast harmony with widely held ethical, religious, and humanitarian convictions, thereby providing the foreign policy establishment with a formidable asset of domestic consensus.
At the broadest level of strategic analysis, Pakistan’s calibrated and values-driven approach illustrates a sophisticated and ongoing attempt to balance pragmatic realism with immutable principle in an increasingly complex, multipolar, and often adversarial global order. By refusing to join the Abraham Accords, meticulously clarifying the strictly humanitarian and non-political nature of its association with the Board of Peace, thoughtfully declining participation in the Gaza Stabilisation Force, and proactively advocating for diplomacy over force in relation to Iran, Pakistan sends a coherent signal to the world that it seeks constructive and responsible engagement in world affairs without compromising the core values that constitute its national identity. This approach, while potentially foregoing certain immediate diplomatic or economic rewards offered by more transactional relationships, contributes decisively to Pakistan’s long-term credibility and stature as a nation that prioritizes justice, equitable peace, and inclusive dialogue over short-term expediency. For many observers, analysts, and ordinary citizens within Pakistan, it is profoundly encouraging to witness their nation asserting its sovereign views with confidence, articulating them with consistency, and defending them with calm persuasion on the international stage, reinforcing the enduring belief that a truly strong and respected nation is one that can articulate its foundational principles clearly, defend them with reasoned argument, and pursue them with steadfast resolve in the great and enduring arena of international relations.
