The
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particular current issue.
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views in this forum are from the contributors' perspectives.
Discussion over Israel's recognition has begun across Pakistan. What is your opinion?
Views must be focused and to the point to avoid unnecessary editing and should
not exceed 250 words. No view without the full name and address will be
entertained.
Please
send your opinions at
vf@jang.com.pk
Your Opinion
We should recognise Israel.
Zainul
Karachi
We should recognise Israel because we don't have any direct clashes of any kind with Israel.
Israeli government should also make it clear that whether or not they are prepared to recognize Palestinians.
Mohammad Ayub Khan
Peshawar
We don't have no direct conflict with Israel and I believe we should accept them and put pressure by diplomacy on them to recognise also Palestinian state.
Sarim Maqbool
Texas, USA
sarmaq@hotmail.com
If Palestinians are in peace talks with Israel, I don't see any harm for Pakistan recognizing Israel.
This is not an era of conflict.
Raza Rehman
USA, NC
Pakistan should never accept Israel. The only question that I am going to ask Muslims is: who is going to live forever in this world? So why sucking up to Israel. Besides, most of the Muslim nations are forgetting that Allah is the all-provident not Israel.
Farooq Sheikh
Israel is desperate to join EU. She has to be an undisputed country to join EU. That is why she is exerting pressure through USA for being recognised by the other countries, especially Muslim countries.
Now it is high time we pressurised Israel to give up hostile policy towards Muslims and Muslim countries. If we can succeed in doing so then there is no harm in recognising her.
Dr E. Awan
England
I think when Arab countries including Palestine state have accepted Israel, why should Pakistan hesitate to accept it, if it is in the better interest of Pakistan.
Zulqarnain Jafari
Attock
zulqarnainjafari@hotmail.com
There is no harm in recognizing Israel. In fact it is in the interest of the country to establish relations with Israel, by doing this we can put a dent onto indo-Israeli alliance.
Zubair A. Raza
UK
Pakistan should not recognize Israel until liberation of Palestine and its recognition by Israel.
Muhammad Zia
Lahore
Israel is a reality and there is no harm in recognising the realities. Even some of the Arabs have diplomatic relations with Israel; why not Pakistan?
Shaukat Chauhan
Virginia, USA
In my opinion it is useless to discuss upon such things. Actual matters in Pakistan is poverty and education, we should rather emphasise on these practical problems which are directly related to ourselves.
Zaki Anwer
In my opinion accepting Israel may put us on the table where we can help resolving Palestinian issue through dialogues.
Mohammad Zain
Toronto, Canada
It's high time we change our attitude towards Israel. Palestinians along with many other Arab Muslim countries have accepted Israel so I don't find any reason why should we remain stubborn as a mule.
Navin Fazal Siraj
England
Recognition of Israel is a critical issue for Pakistan. But what is going on in the world and why is going on is another important story. So, I think Pakistan government should have the public support on this issue which we very well know what it is.
M. ALEEM
Islamabad
I think that Pakistan should not accept Israel. The existence of Israel is a symbolic representation of injustice, occupation and depriving the Palestinians of their rights as humans.
Yasser Ahmad
Toronto, Canada
We should recognise Israel straight away, and should not waste any more time in useless debates.
Khalid Hamidi
Toronto, Canada
Why sudden need to recognise Israel? Palestinian men, women and children continue to pay with their lives every day even to exist in their own homeland, where they have lived forever. The subhuman occupation of Palestine is shameful. Our sympathy should be with the victims of Sharon's terror. Why legitimise this terror.
If the roadmap leads to any independence for them, Arab nations will recognise the fact that Israel exists. We can then follow the suit. This is too early to debate this issue at this time.
Rahim Khimani
USA
If we are not recognizing the state of Israel because of it's "immoral political practices", we should immediately "unrecognize" most of the countries in the world.
Yas Khan
Los Angeles, CA
USA
It is my humble and honest opinion that we should recognize Israel. Because, I believe that it would be easier to engage with Israel in dialogues to solve Palestinians' issue. It will be better for the Muslim world too and specifically for the future of Palestinian people.
We must realize that Pakistan is a nuclear power and as such it has a greater responsibility toward bringing peace and stability in the world. There are only seven nations in the world that we know of having nuclear weapons.
Pakistan has absolutely no border dispute or any other direct dispute with Israel. Most of the Jews in Europe are against racism and friendly toward Muslims.
So I believe this will serve Palestinians' cause if we recognize Israel right away and not be cowards and wait for another tow years. Pakistan must show its political deepness and stability in this tricky but very important question.
Wasim Khan
Sweden
I support Israel's recognition by Pakistan
Amir
Karachi
I honestly believe, recognition of Israel will do us any good, just because of American pressure, we shouldn't change our believe that Israel or Jews can be friend and it's not going to weaken Indo-Israel relationship.
Waleed Shamsi
San Antonio, TX
We are already late we should recognize it as early as possible. We never heard any single word in our favor regarding the Kashmir issue then why should we be so emotional for them.
Wajahat
Saudi Arabia
By recognizing Israel we can make it tougher for India to harm us politically and to let her crumble badly our international image.
Tahir Naeem
Islamabad
In my opinion Israel should not be recognised as a separate sovereign state as this would make it a legal acceptance of forced occupation.
Atif Perwaiz
Harbin, China
Our acceptance or non-acceptance of Israel is meaningless. I have read most of the comments on the Jang website -
www.jang.com.pk . I am still puzzled that why the
people of our country are so emotional over this issue. The Jews and Israel are reality and we have to accept it, the extent of our relationship
and the amount of trust depends upon the circumstances.
Shabbir Shah
Manama, Bahrain
I support that we should recognize Israel as many of the Arab countries have done so
and we have no direct conflict and there is no reason for us take this stand.
We have to try and play more positive role if we want to rather then stay on the sideline. It is in Pakistan on interest to do so.
Asif Ishaque
USA
Before considering recognition of Israel it should be ascertained as to what great benefit Pakistan is going to get in consideration for its recognition of Israel.
Musa Kazim
Canada
Keeping in view the current situation in the Middle East, I think there is no harm in having diplomatic relations with Israel. I also think there are no direct conflicts between the two states other than Palestine and Israel's relations with Arab Countries.
India is enjoying full diplomatic ties with it and also benefiting from these relations. Every one knows how much Arab countries support Pakistan's stand on Kashmir issue and also that they have much better trade relations with India even Indian nationals get priority in getting visas in some Arab countries despite the fact the India has full diplomatic relations with their so-called biggest enemy.
I feel Pakistan should have full relations with Israel and also should try to benefit from these relations in every possible manner and it is in the best interest of the country. There is no need to get emotional as some so-called religious outfits are. We should give priority to Pakistan first and also there would be no danger to Islam or Pakistan after having these diplomatic relations growing, as we all are true Muslims and can sacrifice our lives for upholding of the cause of Islam.
Zahid Hameed
Dubai
You are asking me about Israeli's issue, go head and accept it because mentally we have already accepted it much earlier.
Tariq
USA
I think that Pakistan should recognise Israel. Not doing so will no help ending the violence in Middle East.
Mohammad Bilal Chaudhary
As Indian Muslim, I would consider it a sheer betrayal if Pakistan would recognize Israel. We are looking to you brothers of Ummah in Pakistan to maintain solidarity. Indian government of BJP Hindu/ is squeezing us and wishing to impose Zionist rule.
Please do not let us down Muslim brethren. Do not support recognition of
Israel. We would suffer blow to our hopes.
Afzal Raza
Darien, CT USA
Pakistan should recognized Israel there is no harm in it.
Naveed
Karachi
Pakistan should recognize Israel. We are the only two countries made based
on religion.
Syed Hussain
There is no reason why Pakistan should recognize Israel. Even if we have pressure from abroad, we should ask for creation of a Palestinian state out of present Israel.
First establishment of peace be ensured and then should recognition of Israel.
Ahmad Mustafa Umar
Ontario, Canada
Without having Diplomatic Relation neither We can help ourselves, nor we can solve problems faces by Palestinians as well as Muslim Ummah. Dialog is the only way to solve disputed matters; thus, we should recognize Israel and try to look after our interests too.
Wasim A Siddiqui,
Los Angeles, USA
We should not recognize Israel.
Murad Ali Khan
murad2000a@hotmail.com
I want to say that if all the Muslim countries are accepting Israel and have developed trade relations with it then why are we not willing to accept Israel
So we have to take the religious people into confidence that relations with Israel are in the best interest of our nation. No doubt that Israel has more superb defence matters and has stronger economy than that of Pakistan. Thus we have to simply take religious people into confidence.
Malik Zaheer Abbas
Peshawar
Israel is maintaining good relations with our neighbor - India, who, in spite of being a big power, is importing weapons from Israel. America has given free hand to Israel's selling of the sophisticated military equipments to any country of the world and it has become a big sale outlet for USA, which is helping the ailing economy of the super power.
Given the situation, let's refuse recognizing Israel.
Babar Ali Azad
Belgium
alibabar@pandora.be
Fall of the nations comes when their leaders do
not heed to the true aspirations of the people. We should not sell our freedom
for the sake of US interests. Recognition of Israel should be conditioned with
liberation of Palestine.
Sajid Mehmood
Chakwal
This is not a decision that Pakistan should make alone. The government of
Pakistan should consult with Saudi Arabia and other Islamic
countries.
Rana Abdul Waheed
Toronto, Canada
It is the high time to recognize Israel. By doing so we can also pressurize
Israel diplomatically to settle the matters with the Palestinian Authority.
Opening trade with Israel will also be an added advantage especially when our
neighboring country India has already good relations with Israel.
Dr. Saqib Sadiq
Mississauga, Canada
Israel is a reality and Pakistan should recognise it. Pakistan has
un-necessarily created an enemy. On the other hand many Arab countries have
already established diplomatic relations with Israel; so why not Pakistan.
Shaukat Chauhan
Virginia, USA
In my view Pakistan should accept Israel
without any delay. The Muslim countries that have accepted Israel are also
enjoying their Muslim status as those countries that have not accepted Israel.
So, there is no advantage of rejecting
Israel or disadvantage of its recognition.
National issues should be decided keeping in view of their impact on
our national economic and political interests.
Nusrat Aman
Toronto, Canada
At this juncture discussion over
recognition of Israel is of secondary importance and is being aired due to our
subservient policies and dependence on the U.S. The policies that
have already created a threatening situation on our western border on which we
are a frontline state to serve the US interests in
Afghanistan.
We should prioritize our problems and top priority should be given to the home front. We are still struggling for restoration of real democracy and supremacy of the parliament, which needs top priority. Issues like Israel can only be settled by the parliament, our top decision making national institution and not by the controversial leadership.
Iqbal Jhagra
Peshawar
Pakistan should not recognize Israel
until liberation of Palestine and its recognition by Israel. In other scenario
Pakistan should consult with OIC member countries and then decide of the issue.
If the OIC countries deem it fit then we should recognize it.
Muhammad Arshad
Islamabad
If Palestinians ready to accept Israel, we should also re-think about our stand.
I accept, being a Muslim state, we have moral attachment with Palestine.
But even Egypt, Jordan, Oman and several other Muslim states have accepted
the Israel.
Pakistanis should think by brain not by heart.
Sajid
Sharon & Co committed worse atrocities against the Palestinians in the early
days of the Israeli state than anything being attributed to the Palestinian
armed groups of today. Israel has no defined boundaries. So do we recognize a
state without well-defined boundaries?
We should recognize Israel only when the
Palestinian issue is resolved and peace returns to the Middle East.
Ejaz Husain
Karachi
If it is in the interest of our country
than keep everything aside. We the Muslims of South Asia are very emotional and
sensitive but we should now realize that emotions not count in international
affairs.
Mahmood Khan
Karachi
If Pakistan has to recognize Israel, I think it is still too earlier to decide. Let Israel get its legitimacy established by the Palestinians coming into terms with them and then let us see whether it lives peacefully with its Arab neighbours.
Qaisar Rashid,Berlin,
Germany
qaisarrashid@yahoo.com
Our leaders justified Afghan war, then Iraqi war now getting ready to recognize Israel.
Asrar Hassan
Skans Lahore
I am sure there is nothing Pakistani can do about it. Fortunately, there are a lot of countries between them and us that will not sell or crumble down so easily like Iran and Syria.
Irfan
Toronto, Canada
I don't see any reason for not recognizing Israel as an independent country. Pakistan is always very keen to have good relationship with USA, whose government is run by Jews anyway. Pakistan also has great relationship with China who is keeping Tibat and Taiwan against their wills.
So, I don't understand the logic behind not accepting Israel as an independent country. Israel is as enemy of Muslim as any other non-Muslim nation could be. Needless to say, here that Pakistan Army is using Ammunition aid to them by USA (made in Israel).
Now, be realistic and accept Israel and leave Kashmir alone. Only interest Pakistan has Kashmir is their water -- another economical factor -- then just accept Israel and get some benefit.
Muhammed Sayyed
Ontario, Canada
Pakistan's recognition of Israel should not be based on two following factors mentioned below:
1. Arab negligence on Kashmir issue or denial to support Pakistan's stance regarding Kashmir.
2. Recognition of Israel by some Arab countries.
We should have our own independent foreign policy on this issue. Israel is a state created without boundaries and is involved in one of the bloodiest
massacre of Muslims in Palestine.
Israel is a strong military and economic power in the region and Pakistan can only influence Israel if it has direct relations with its administration. Pakistan should seek assurance from Israel that she will not support India against Pakistan over Kashmir issue and equal level of relations will be maintained to Pakistan and India.
Arab factor in this matter is totally out of discussion.
Naveed Ahmad
Ontario, Canada
Non recognition of Israel is a non-issue as it will not change the fact that there is Israel and much of the possibility of having anything like Palestine on ground depends much on Israel's acceptance of it.
There is only one noble aspect of not accepting Israel and that the non-acceptance of occupation through force. But we have gone against this at many occasions including in Iraq. Based on our 'pragmatic policies', our stance of not recognizing Israel can only help tarnishing our image in the whole world as a 'narrow-minded nation', which hates nations based on their religion like so many other parameters like sectarian killings etc.
Recognition of Israel by Pakistan may help us getting rid of false impressions and follies. Pakistan is a country of 15 million and if it cant help its own people in getting full rights. I mean basic rights of every kind including getting rid of exploitation done to very people by a selected few. Given the situation, there is not much room for its being able to help any other people doesn't matter how close they can be in relation to religious or cultural limitations in their struggle against repression/ injustice etc.
Recognise Israel but with continuing support for the right of Arab people of that region to have a separate homeland for themselves too.
Sami Uddin Siddiqui
Looks like Palestinian cause is no longer a cause worth fighting for. Nobody can beat Pakistan in dubiousness.
Narendra
Bangalore, India
I would like to know how many Arabs countries have taken a firm stand on Kashmir use. How many times have they helped us resolve this problem. We should not be more Palestinians than the Palestinians.
Surprising to note that even Chairman PLO, Arafat, has recognized Israel to exist. Recognizing Israel is in Pakistan's interest; we have no conflicts with them. We should recognize Israel without delay.
Aleem
USA
Recognition of Israel by Pakistan is an academic exercise and another bone of contention between the liberals and the fundamentalists is winning in the Land Of The Pure (Pakistan). The attempt to recognize Israel is not backed by pure intentions.
A. V. Rao
Pakistan should recognize Israel.
Ijaz ul Haq Badar
Abu Dhabi
I was of the view even in 1993 that we should recognize Israel when Oslo peace process begun. Today two nation doesn't form their relations based on religious or any other historical issues but on rational basis like trade and economic affairs.
Once Pakistan recognises Israel, it can help us in defence issues like. Moreover Israel has agriculture technology which could change our desert area into green fertile cultivable land. Science and technology is another area of mutual interest for Pakistan and Israel to work together
There is no good in having direct conflict with Israel and which otherwise could prove catastrophic in present geo-political scenario.
Shahzad ahmed khalid
Faisalabad
I think we should be the last country to accept Israel. It is not the issue between Arabs and Jews but it is between Muslims and Jews. This issue has two aspects. One is religious and other is politics.
Majid Mukarram
Lahore
majid_mukarram@hotmail.com
In my opinion we should also put one condition on Israel and that Israel must submit it's boundaries to the UN like every other country had done.
Israel is the only country, which has not submitted it's geographical map to the UN and that shows their expansionist policies, which according to the sources includes Mecca and Medina part of Israel's future map.
Mumtaz Ahmad
USA
Yes, Pakistan has every right as a sovereign state to recognize any other state. We followed Arabs in their dispute; they never supported us on Kashmir issue against India. Now that at least three Muslim states, Egypt, Jordan, & Turkey have recognized the State of Israel and some others are getting ready, given the scenario what is harm in our moving forward?
I strongly believe that it will be beneficial for Pakistan to formally recognize Israel. It will be beneficial economically, politically, and in terms of international relations.
Razz
USA
No. We should not recognize Israel. Our differences are not due to Palestine. It is ideological difference. The position of Palestinians is like a person killed who can't protest against his killers, but the civilized world must take note of it. There never was a sizable population of Jews in Palestine. They migrated from all over the world and snatched piece of land from Palestinians. Hence they are usurpers.
Being the most enlightened Muslim nation we should not let the history be buried in misconceptions. By recognizing Israel we will blow out the beacon light that might guide our next generations who may not be as hapless as we are. Let the issue remain alive and be it remembered that Palestinians are the real sons of soil.
Sabiha
Islamabad
I am against recognition of Israel as a country by Pakistan.
Rizwan Malik
Sialkot
This is the matter of our belief and not simply recognizing any country's existence. Why this statement came out immediately after our president's visit to USA? This simply proves that our regime works according to the given guide line of the Super Powers and not for the sake of our own benefit.
Jews can never be true friends of the Muslims, According to Last Holy (Peace Be Up Him). Secondly, they are the invaders of the land of Palestinians. Thirdly, they are still killing our brothers, sisters and children and backing every anti Muslim movement around the world.
Therefore, whatever Pakistan decides, it should be decided in view of that stance of the Jews.
Ashraf
England
As per the current global political scenario, the every country is opening up for the rest of the world and no one can live in isolation.
We have to review our traditional stands and being an Islamic country and teaching we have to be open minded and should have friendly relation with all the countries including Israel or India.
Without the good relation no country can survive or economically progress. Look at China, India.
In my opinion there is no harm to recognise the nation, which has so much technology and power. However, we can sell our country or have pre-conditioned to accept the global scenario.
Abdul Sultan Khemani
Pakistan should not recognize Israel, since it was fabricated on the occupied land of Palestine. If we don't do so, then where do we stand on the Kashmir issue which is also occupied by India.
Please don't do it for few gains or because Arabs are dumb on our Kashmir issue.
Hafeez Maqbool,
CITD, MKJB, Brunei
It is in the vital interest of Pakistan to recognize Israel.
Faisal
California, USA
With reference to opinion on this page under the name of Mr. Syed A. Mateen.
I agree with him, saying the debate whether Pakistan should recognize Israel or not has already begun. Whatever the outcome may be of this debate, General Pervez Musharraf has always advocated for a positive Pakistan's foreign policy. Keeping in view of Pakistan's interest first, our government should explore possibility with Israeli government if Israel can pay to Pakistan equivalent to the total amount of loan which Pakistan took from several donor agencies. If the government of Israel accepts to pay to Pakistan equivalent to the amount of Pakistan's entire loan, Pakistan should recognize Israel.
Ali Kamran
alikamran@earthlink.net
We can form a Lobby of Islamic Countries within Israel with Egypy, Jordan, Turkey, and Pakistan and Change Israeli policies through Diplomatic Pressure.
Arif A Khan
California, USA
The debate whether Pakistan should recognize Israel or not has already begun. Whatever the outcome may be of this debate, General Pervez Musharraf has always advocated for a positive Pakistan's foreign policy. Keeping in view of Pakistan's interest first, our government should explore possibility with Israeli government if Israel can pay to Pakistan equivalent to the total amount of loan which Pakistan took from several donor agencies.
If the government of Israel accepts to pay to Pakistan equivalent to the amount of Pakistan's entire loan, Pakistan should recognize Israel.
This will enable Pakistan to stand as "debt-free" country in the world and on the other hand will have following impacts :
1. The rate of all utilities and gasoline will be reduced by 7.5%.
2. There will be no deficit in the next budget.
3. This will boost industrialization in the country.
4. Foreign investment will start flowing in Pakistan at much higher rate.
5. More jobs will be created for un-employed youths. This will control law and order situation in the country.
6. Pakistan's economy will boom manifolds, as exporters will be having more resources at hand to utilize for producing cheaper and better quality of products to face the challenges of WTO.
7. The mark-up rates of banks will be reduced and more people will take loan which will boost local industry.
Syed A. Mateen
Karachi-Pakistan
pakistan@attglobal.net
We can influence Israel more by talking to it than by being sullen. When Arab countries such as Egypt and Jordan have recognized Israel, I don't see why not Pakistan too should do the same.
Iqbal Raza
Washington DC, USA
How many times have the Arabs took a Stand for Pakistan, be it Kashmir or at any other front? Why does Pakistan has to get so emotionally involve with an Arab Israeli cause when it is none of our concern and none of our business, What is in interest of Pakistan, it has to be decided in context of national interests of the country.
Asim
Sydney Australia
The issue of recognition of Israel and to develop relations with Israel is quite a delicate matter. But, Pakistan would have to take decision on this issue considering the changing political scenario of the world.
There is no harm in recognising Israel if first the Palestine dispute is settled.
Shafiq Khan
Suadi Arabia
In my opinion it is the right time now we recognised Israel and no harm in doing so.
Ahmed Nawaz
Malaysia
Using this medium of communication I just want to express my concern and grief over the recent tragic incident of Quetta that has shocked the very pillars of integrity of the state. irst of all my sincere prays for all the departed souls.May they all rest in eternal peace and blessings of ALLAH ALMIGHTY(Amen).My modest well wishes for all those as well who got injured.May ALLAH make them healthy in the shortest possible time(Amen).
we should recognize Israel because we don't have any direct clash wit it.
Chaudhry Sajjad Akhtar
Bahrain
We should recognize Israel straightaway.
Dr Shahid Mahmood
Lahore, Pakistan
Since some of the Arab countires have recognized Israel, Pakistan should follow the suit and it is better for it.
Aqeel Syed
Melbourne, Australia
I feel it's time to establish links with Israel provided some developments are made on the peace process and shun the negative stereotyping of Jews and Israel.
Waqas
I don't think so there is any harm in accepting Israel.
Suhail Farooq
Hong Kong
According to my point of view, it is a political matter between Israel and Palestine we do not know the exact background and history of these two states. So they know better to solve it but Israel always torched the poor Palestinians.
Muslims all over the world are against Israel but as the President Pervez Musharraf said that the leaders of these two states still want to solve their conflicts through negotiations.
Therefore, before recognizing Israel we should just think about our country where it is standing and what we have to do for it. We must be a true Pakistani and true Muslims.
Samra Tariq
Lecturer Political Science
Toba Tek Singh
We MUST recognize Israel so we can put Political Pressure to give Palestinian their rights.
Arif A Khan
California, USA
This is right time to recognize Israel. The most compelling reason to do that is that it will weaken the Indo-Israeli alliance vis-a-vis Pakistan.
Haider
New Jersey, USA
Pakistan should never recognize Israel as a separate sovereign state. The territory of Israel is consisted of the occupied areas of Palestine and no independent state can be legitimate as the outcome of bloody and atrocious occupation.
Jawaria Ahamd
Karachi
jvjeeonly4friends@yahoo.com