In recent times, several Israeli newspapers have lauded Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, as a credible voice who can normalize Pakistan’s relations with Israel. These reports, while met with skepticism in Pakistan, have opened up debates on what the former cricket star turned politician can offer to normalize Pakistan’s relations with Israel. There is a generic impression that Imran Khan’s relationship with the influential Goldsmith family, and current popularity could reshape the ideological fabric of Pakistan, particularly its stance on Israel and the Muslim Ummah.
Since its creation in 1947, Pakistan has maintained a firm stance of non-recognition of Israel. Rooted in solidarity with Palestine and the broader Muslim Ummah, the country has regarded Israel’s treatment of Palestinians as a violation of international law. Successive Pakistani leaders have adhered to this policy, making Pakistan one of the few nations globally without any diplomatic relations with Israel. The reasons for this staunch position include religious solidarity, geopolitical alignment with the Arab world, and Pakistan’s strong ties with Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Imran Khan, during his time in office, upheld this official stance, repeatedly stating that Pakistan would not recognize Israel until a just solution for Palestinians is achieved. However, a blog in Times of Israel has suggested that Imran Khan, if become the prime minister, will be in a much better and stronger position to reset Pakistan’s relations with Israel. In 2019, there was some unverified news that Imran Khan had an informal meeting with the Israeli ambassador during his visit to the United States. There was also news that Imran Khan’s special assistant made a secret visit to Israel.
The recent content in Israeli media’s on Imran Khan has largely centered on two points. First, they claim that Khan’s leadership and populist appeal could help shift public opinion within Pakistan toward normalizing relations with Israel. Second, they argue that his relationship with the West, particularly with individuals like the Goldsmith family, could serve as a bridge to foster mutual understanding between Pakistan and Israel. This narrative from Israeli outlets stands in stark contrast to Khan’s public statements, which have consistently supported Palestinian self-determination. It raises important questions: Why would Israeli media endorse Imran Khan, and what factors could lead to such speculations?
At the center of this speculation lies Imran Khan’s personal ties to the Goldsmith family. Khan was married to Jemima Goldsmith, the daughter of Sir James Goldsmith, a British financier of Jewish descent, from 1995 to 2004. Despite the couple’s divorce, Khan has remained close to Jemima and the Goldsmith family, often praising them in interviews for their support and contributions to his philanthropic ventures. Khan’s connection with the Goldsmiths has often been viewed with suspicion by some conservative elements in Pakistan, who perceive it as evidence of Western influence. His political rivals have sometimes used this relationship to suggest that Khan could be inclined towards a pro-Western or pro-Israeli agenda.
Imran Khan’s political career has been characterized by his ability to connect with Pakistan’s masses, particularly the youth. His populist rhetoric, anti-corruption stance, and opposition to elite control over politics have resonated deeply across the country. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), built its support on challenging the status quo, presenting Khan as a symbol of change. There is an impression that Khan’s popularity could be a catalyst for altering Pakistan’s traditional anti-Israel sentiment. By leveraging his charisma and influence, they argue, he could lead a gradual shift in public opinion, moving away from the rigid ideological positions that have defined Pakistan’s foreign policy for decades.
This potential shift in public sentiment could have far-reaching implications. Pakistan’s strong opposition to Israel has long been tied to its identity as an Islamic republic and a key player in the Muslim world. Pakistan’s ideological framework is heavily influenced by its commitment to Islamic unity, or the notion of the Muslim Ummah. For decades, Pakistan has positioned itself as a defender of Muslim causes, particularly in Palestine and Kashmir. Any normalization of ties with Israel would represent a dramatic shift in this orientation, potentially altering Pakistan’s relationships with both the Muslim world and the West.
Normalizing relations with Israel would be seen by many as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause, which has been a symbol of Muslim unity for decades. It could weaken Pakistan’s moral standing as a leader within the Muslim world and complicate its relationships with key allies such as Saudi Arabia and Iran. However, it is worth noting that several Arab countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, have already normalized relations with Israel, which could provide a diplomatic cover for Pakistan if it chooses to follow suit.
Imran Khan’s potential role in softening Pakistan’s stance on Israel could also have significant domestic consequences. Religious and nationalist political parties, such as Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl), would likely exploit the issue to mobilize public opposition against any such move. Khan’s popularity could suffer if he is perceived as compromising on an issue as sensitive as Israel, particularly given his previous statements in support of Palestine. In these testing times, banking upon Imran Khan as a better choice for normalization may be difficult if not impossible. But normalization has far reaching implications for Pakistan.
A move toward normalization with Israel could signal a broader realignment of Pakistan’s foreign policy, positioning it closer to Western powers. This could be beneficial in terms of economic aid, defense partnerships, and diplomatic influence. However, it would also create friction with traditional allies in the Muslim world and could trigger internal unrest. There are potential economic incentives for Pakistan in normalizing relations with Israel. As Israel becomes more integrated into regional frameworks, especially with its technological and agricultural innovations, Pakistan could stand to benefit from cooperation in these sectors. However, the long-term strategic costs, particularly in terms of its relations with Iran and Turkey, would need to be carefully weighed.
The praise Imran Khan has received from Israeli newspapers highlights the complexity of Pakistan’s foreign policy. While Khan’s personal relationships and his populist appeal are viewed by some as avenues for a potential softening of Pakistan’s stance on Israel, the realities on the ground remain far more complicated. Any shift in Pakistan’s position on Israel would have profound consequences for its internal politics, its foreign policy, and its identity as an Islamic republic. Imran Khan’s legacy on this issue may depend less on his personal inclinations and more on the broader geopolitical forces shaping the region. As the global landscape continues to evolve, so too will Pakistan’s place within it—whether or not it ultimately chooses to follow the path of normalization with Israel.
