Commitment to pan-Islamic solidarity

Pakistan perceives the Israel-Palestine conflict and the war in Gaza through three distinct lenses: state, societal, and systemic. At the state level, Pakistan maintains a firm stance by not recognizing Israel, insisting that a two-state solution is a prerequisite for peace. This position is also reinforced by Pakistani passports, which explicitly state that they are valid for travel to all countries except Israel. The Pakistani government views the ongoing conflict in Gaza as an act of genocide by Israel and consistently raises this issue in international forums. Pakistan also sees Hamas' attacks as a reaction to Israel's subjugation, supporting the notion that Palestinians have the right to armed resistance against oppression.

The country, located west of India, draws a parallel between the Palestine issue and the Kashmir conflict, where it perceives a similar struggle for freedom against oppression. This comparison strengthens Pakistan's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, as both issues are seen as part of a broader fight against injustice.

The nation at the crossroads of South Asia and the Middle East has also found itself marginalized in international diplomacy, most notably when it was excluded from a delegation of Arab and Indonesian foreign ministers who visited the permanent members of the UN Security Council to call for an immediate halt to the military escalation in Gaza. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) did not include Pakistan in this mission, probably out of concern that Pakistan might raise the Kashmir issue alongside the Palestinian cause. This exclusion underlines the perception that the OIC has shifted its focus away from Kashmir, despite its unresolved status, leaving Pakistan in a difficult position.

Domestically, Pakistan feels a strong obligation to advocate for the Palestinian cause, as it resonates deeply with the population and aligns with the broader goal of maintaining relevance in the Muslim world. By championing the Palestinian issue, Pakistan not only reflects popular sentiment at home but also reaffirms its commitment to pan-Islamic solidarity, even as the OIC’s support for Kashmir diminishes.

Changing dynamics within the Muslim world

At the societal level, the recent Gaza conflict has profoundly impacted Pakistani society, where there is widespread empathy for the Palestinian people and strong condemnation of Israel's actions, which are viewed as violations of international law. The Palestinian cause is highly valued in Pakistan, but the changing dynamics within the Muslim world have not been effectively communicated by the government or other Muslim states. The recent violence in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands, has been widely disseminated across all demographics in Pakistan, shaping public opinion across age groups and social classes. Pakistani youth, particularly, have formed their views through content on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, while older generations rely more on television.

The images of attacks on schools, hospitals, and civilians have reignited interest in the Palestinian cause, which, like the Kashmir issue, often fades from public consciousness until a major event occurs. The overwhelming sentiment in Pakistan is one of helplessness and a perception that the rule of law is absent as these prolonged conflicts continue without resolution.

Let down by the international system

At the systemic level, the south Asian nation observes that the post-Cold War international system has failed to address unresolved issues from the era of decolonization, particularly in the Muslim world. Pakistan, having gained independence based on religion, sees itself as part of a larger Muslim community that has been let down by the international system. The prevailing belief is that this system has failed to resolve critical issues in the Muslim world, while internal divisions within the Muslim world have further compounded these challenges. Many Pakistanis feel that Muslim countries lack the political will and capability to resolve these issues, as their political systems are often not based on accountability and transparency, instead drawing legitimacy from external powers rather than their populations. 

Recent developments in Europe have mobilized both governments and large segments of the population in response to severe human rights violations in Gaza. The United Nations, European Union, and other international platforms have called for calm and restraint. Europe is perceived as a bastion of stability amidst the turmoil in the Arab world, which heightens its role in the crisis. Many in the Muslim world, including Pakistan, believe that Europe should adopt an independent stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in relation to the Gaza war. There is a perception that the rules-based international order has deteriorated, with the conflict in Gaza being driven more by hard power and military might. Consequently, Europe is urged to engage with the Muslim world independently at both the state and societal levels. 

Young people in Pakistan and the broader Muslim world are increasingly questioning Europe's role in global peace and stability. European embassies in these regions should actively engage with youth to discuss Europe’s grand strategy for the Arab world. As Europe seeks to bolster its influence in a polarized, multipolar world, it is crucial to uphold the rules-based order. The protests in European and American universities reflect the values taught to students, and the subsequent disillusionment that the governments compromise on these values has in turn empowered Muslim and Pakistani youth to question and voice their concerns. 

Bringing students to western universities

Europe’s Erasmus Mundus Program, which brings Pakistani students to western universities for master’s programs, has positively influenced perceptions of Europe among Pakistani youth. However, European soft power may wane if grassroots dialogue with young people is not prioritized. Governments are trusted by youth who have developed a critical approach to global issues. 

To ensure that future generations understand the relevance of international law, its principles must be clearly demonstrated. If institutions like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the United Nations Security Council are seen merely as debating platforms, authoritarian regimes such as China and Russia may exploit this perception to undermine European influence among youth. Influence of authoritarian states in a hybrid democracy like Pakistan will roll back efforts by Europe for promotion of democracy, free speech and human rights.  

Pakistan and Europe must address the concerns of young people who feel disillusioned by their governments and international institutions. There is a growing belief that only hard power can resolve global issues and that the rules-based order is becoming obsolete. This notion must not take root among youth otherwise hardline militants who have always been trying to recruit uneducated youth will take advantage of this. Even educated professionals could not understand the silence of global institutions and their efficacy in global peace.  

Sources of inspiration

Western media and human rights organizations have long been sources of inspiration for the non-western world by advocating for justice, free speech, and a free press. While Pakistanis value these voices, there is frustration over Europe’s perceived lack of attention to forums highlighting the disproportionate use of force by Israel. This mistrust necessitates dialogue and engagement to address the challenges Europe faces in the Gaza conflict. 

The European Union and various European states maintain strong relations with Pakistan. As the Gaza conflict nears its end and reconstruction begins, Europe should allocate resources to support the people of Gaza. This commitment needs to be communicated effectively, and youth should be informed about these developments. Europe's contributions to Gaza’s reconstruction and aid distribution are important but have not been effective yet. Hence there is a call for the EU to take stronger measures against Israel to stop the ongoing violence and give way for international law to take effect including reconstruction and improvement of the lives of Palestinians in Gaza. 

Pakistan, Europe and global actors need to engage at all levels to answer questions that could not be answered in the heat of war. I believe that in the same way that democracy and human rights are preached, as well as laws on the use of force, the value of global institutions must also be emphasized. 

© Qantara.de 2024

Qamar Cheema is Executive Director at Sanober Institute, a “non-partisan platform committed to fostering informed dialogue” in Islamabad, Pakistan. He is a prominent academic and political analyst. He specializes in international relations and South Asian politics, offering insights on regional security and strategic affairs. Cheema is also a respected educator, contributing to academic discourse through lectures, a YouTube channel and publications.