Delegations led by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Oct 4, 2024. — PID
The announcement by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to hold an all-party conference on the Palestine issue comes amid a backdrop of significant political instability in Pakistan. The nation is currently grappling with internal conflicts and a deep-seated distrust among various political factions, raising questions about the effectiveness of this initiative.
Pakistan’s political environment is characterized by significant fragmentation and mistrust among its various parties. The government led by Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) faces challenges from opposition parties, including Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The opposition has been vocal in criticizing the government’s handling of key issues, including economic instability and governance challenges.
The decision to convene an all-party conference on Palestine may be seen as an attempt to unify disparate political factions around a common cause. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari welcomed this initiative, emphasizing the need for national solidarity against what he termed “imperialist Zionist agendas.” However, given the history of discord among these parties, it remains uncertain how effectively they can collaborate on this issue. Political analysts suggest that while the Palestine cause resonates deeply with many Pakistanis, it may not be sufficient to bridge the existing divides among political leaders.
The success of the all-party conference hinges on several factors. First, it will need to address not only the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict. The Pakistani government has consistently advocated for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders and has called for an immediate ceasefire. However, achieving consensus among various political factions on specific actions or policies may prove challenging.
Moreover, past experiences with similar conferences indicate that while they can generate public support and media attention, they often fall short of producing actionable outcomes. The effectiveness of this initiative will depend on whether it can translate public sentiment into coherent policy proposals that resonate both domestically and internationally.
Over the past year, Pakistan has adopted a cautious approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Foreign Office has called for an immediate ceasefire and condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have reportedly resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths. Despite this strong rhetoric, critics argue that Pakistan has not done enough to leverage its position as a majority Muslim nation advocating for Palestinian rights.
While Islamabad has expressed moral support for Palestinians and condemned Israeli actions at various international forums, its actual influence over the conflict remains limited. The country has abstained from making provocative statements that could jeopardize its relations with Western powers or friendly nations in the region. This cautious stance reflects a broader strategy aimed at maintaining diplomatic ties while navigating complex geopolitical realities.
On the international stage, Pakistan’s role in addressing the Gaza conflict is multifaceted. It has joined Saudi Arabia in calling for a ceasefire and has supported South Africa’s petition before the International Court of Justice regarding alleged war crimes committed by Israel. However, its ability to influence outcomes is constrained by its limited diplomatic leverage compared to more powerful nations involved in Middle Eastern politics.
Pakistan’s relationship with Iran—an ally of Hamas—complicates its position further. While it has condemned Israeli actions, it must also be cautious not to alienate other regional players or Western allies who view Iran unfavorably. This balancing act leaves Pakistan in a precarious position where it risks losing relevance as a mediator or advocate for Palestinian rights if it cannot assert itself more decisively
The announcement of an all-party conference on Palestine by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif represents an opportunity for political unity in Pakistan amid a backdrop of fragmentation and distrust. However, given the current political landscape and historical precedents, its success is uncertain. While Pakistan has vocally supported Palestinian rights over the past year, questions remain about whether these efforts are sufficient to effect meaningful change or influence outcomes in Gaza.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region and global dynamics shift, Pakistan must navigate its role carefully—balancing domestic expectations with international realities. Ultimately, whether this conference leads to a unified stance on Palestine or merely serves as another symbolic gesture will depend on how effectively political leaders can collaborate and translate public sentiment into actionable policy.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
