Abstract

This study tries to investigate the obstacles in the ongoing disputes between Pakistan and UAE over whether or not to recognize Israel as a state. What elements would cause Pakistan to recognize Israel? Considering the significance of the UAE and its agreements with Pakistan skewed the national interests of Pakistan. To explore the bottlenecks in the hurdles of the Middle East spectrum and to evaluate the stance, I used explorative methods to obtain unique and perfect data through thematic techniques. The study's goal is to draw attention to the persistent questions surrounding Pakistan's foreign policy, whether Pakistan should have recognized Israel or not due to some internal biases. The first Gulf Arab nation to agree to normalize ties with Israel was the United Arab Emirates, putting an end to years of clandestine trade and investment between the two nations. For this study, secondary data was acquired from secondary sources like newspapers, periodicals, and reports while primary data was gathered through semi-structured interviews.

Key Words

The Conflict between Pakistan and Israel, State Recognition, Different Agreements, and Legal Effects of the International Law

Introduction

The issue of state recognition has become a subject of global interest, with the international community of sovereign states required to recognize other states to subject them to the rights, obligations, and requirements of international law. The study focuses on the ongoing disputes between Pakistan and UAE over whether or not to recognize Israel as a state, and the obstacles that exist in this process. The UAE-Israel deal, known as the Abraham Agreement, has further complicated the recognition issue, with different nations expressing varying stances. The study aims to evaluate the significance of the UAE and its agreements with Pakistan, which may skew the national interests of Pakistan. This paper presents a contextual analysis of state recognition and the obstacles in the recognition process, with a specific focus on the UAE-Israel deal and Pakistan's stance on the recognition of Israel. State recognition refers to the formal acknowledgement of the status of an independent state by other states. Under international law, recognition is a free act by the community of states that already exists. It is an independent act of the existing statehood community, and it is different from the recognition of a government. A state is recognized when a government, people, and territory come into existence. To acquire recognition as a state, a state must have a permanent population, definite territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Legal Effects of State Recognition

When a state is recognized, it is given certain rights, duties, and obligations. These include the capacity to enter into diplomatic relations with other states, the ability to enter into treaties with other states, the ability to enjoy the rights and privileges of international law, the ability to undergo state succession, the right to sue and to be sued, and the ability to be a member of the United Nations.  At the global level, the International community consists of sovereign states. As mentioned in the United Nations Charter in Article 24 and the 1949 draft convention, each entity or state must be acknowledged in order to be subject to the rights, duties, and responsibilities of international law as a member of the world community. When a state has relations with other states and is also acknowledged by those states, it is referred to as a recognized state in the international community.

It emerges by unilateral statements, which may be either explicit or implicit. Due to the recognition states can enjoy the rights and privileges, which is granted by international law. The recognition of the state is an independent act that falls under the purview of the statehood community because the recognition of a government is different from the state recognition, the state recognition is permanent while the other is not. The primary principles of state recognition are the territory, population, government, and political law orientation structure, under which a state can meet the criteria and find a place in the international community. The state is a permanent form the whole government is changing from time to time which means it will come and goes easily.

According to international law is the formal acknowledgement of the status of an independent state by any other state. Article 1 says that: the state poses certain essentials, which includes a state must have a territory, a population, it must have a government structure and ties with other nation. 

United Nations Charter Any state gains a number of positions and fundamental rights for recognition in accordance with international law. The most important considerations for state recognition are: 1) It must have diplomatic ties with other states and 2) It requires a place where it can act directly and engage in or sign agreements with its neighbours or any other states.3) The state should act according to the rules and regulations of the International Law which is codified in the UN article 24 and the Draft Declaration of 1949, and State can go through state succession,5) recognition grants the state the ability to bring legal actions and be sued, and6) state can join the UN.




What Justifies the Latest Israel-UAE Peace Accord?

Israel and the United Arab Emirates' accord hopes to restore normal relations between the two nations. They include trade, travel, direct flights, collaboration in the sciences, and eventually, complete diplomatic connections at the ambassadorial level. But, it is improbable that the Emiratis will establish an embassy in Jerusalem. Despite not being explicitly stated, increased security cooperation against regional challenges, particularly those posed by Iran and its allies, is a significant part of the Abraham Accord. Although it is stated that Israel and the UAE have prior security ties, the agreement brings both nations into the spotlight. This is crucial to remember. The goal of this agreement is to halt the annexation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It provides an opportunity to resume talks between Israel and Palestinians. They employed the Israeli government's phrase "suspend" for these purposes.




What Impact Could this have on Regional Dynamics and Israeli-Palestinian Ties Specifically?

The Palestinian Authority condemned the deal and recalled its representative from Abu Dhabi., despite what appeared to be an Israeli vow to cease annexation. The Abraham Accord, in the eyes of the Palestinians and those who support them, reflects a breach of trust on the side of Israel, the UAE, and the United States. After all, relations between Israel and the UAE had already been improving before the Abraham Agreement. This critique is legitimate. While it has tightened its hold on the West Bank and together with Egypt, maintained a tight cordon around the Gaza Strip, Israel has shown little interest in engaging in dialogue with the Palestinians. The government of Donald Trump has moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and has halted or significantly decreased support to the Palestinian people, and created a peace plan that the Palestinian people believe is blatantly unfair to their rights and ambitions as a nation. The continuous restoration of relations between Israel and the UAE is seen by Ramallah leaders as evidence that Abu Dhabi has forsaken the Palestinian cause. From the above-mentioned part, the UAE can't compromise on their National Interests and cede control of their country to a corrupt and ineffective Palestinian authority. All of this shows that any hope for new talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the near future is unwarranted.

Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Oman have all publicly supported the UAE-Israel Accord across the Middle East. Analysts are speculating heavily that Saudi Arabia's silence indicates that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman favours the pact but is restrained since his father, the king, is opposed to normalization with Israel. Several countries such as Iran, Qatar, and Turkey shows criticism regarding this Accord and also gives threatened to recall its ambassador and their teams from Abu Dhabi. Organizations like OIC and ASEANS and some other local organizations of civil society in the Middle East are still adamantly opposed to normalizing ties with Israel. For instance, Gulf Based organizations have specifically repudiated the Israeli-Emirati accord. 

UAE and Israel Deal: The United Arab Emirates was the first Gulf Arab nation amongst the Arab nations that agrees to sign an agreement on normalizing ties with Israel, capping years of clandestine trade and investment connections between the two nations. The Abraham Agreement, which was revealed by the US president last week, the New York Times reports, aims to defend the Palestinian people and their territory from further annexation by Israeli forces, particularly in the occupied West Bank. After the Jordan state and Egypt, the United Arab Emirates is the third country which recognizes Israel as a state without giving a damn about the Palestinians.

UAE-Israel Deal

The UAE-Israel deal was a historic agreement that marked the first Gulf Arab nation to normalize ties with Israel. The agreement, known as the Abraham Agreement, announced by the US President, secured an Israeli commitment to halt further annexation of Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank. The UAE has also become the third Arab country to negotiate such an agreement with Israel, following Jordan and Egypt. While the UAE-Israel agreement received mixed reactions from various states, it marked a significant shift in the political dynamics of the Middle East.




Different Stances on UAE-Israel Deal

Various states have expressed different stances on the UAE-Israel deal. Palestine strongly condemned the deal, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denouncing it as a "betrayal of Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa and the Palestinian cause." Jordan suggested that the agreement could go ahead with stalled peace talks if it succeeds in provoking Israel to recognize a Palestinian state on land which Israel captured in the Arab-Israeli War of 1967. Egypt welcomed the agreement, with President Abdel Fattah el-SISI, a close ally of the UAE, saying that it could pave the way for peace talks. Iran characterized the agreement as a "massive error," with President Hassan ROUHANI claiming that it would not lead to stability in the region. Turkey also condemned the deal, with the Turkish government accusing the UAE of "hypocritical conduct" in committing to an agreement with Israel to normalize relations.




Iran Concerned about the Agreement

Iran is worried about the peace deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel that was signed between them on 13th August 2020. The historic agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was a diplomatic initiative and also to reinstate and minimize tension and to start the normalization process in every field because, on the other side, Iran believed that Israel was slowly but steadily meddling in the Middle Eastern issues, which could further destabilize the region's weaker states and lead to the seizure of its economic resources, which would only further Israel's agenda and cement its position there. Israel is the only nation in the Muslim UMMAH region that wants to actively participate and control every aspect of administration. It has taken over the entire system and integrated it into its own methods and practices. The Pact placed a strong emphasis on non-military industries like tourism, transportation, import and export, and technology. On the other side, given the widespread concern about Iran, this deal also supported the armed equipment and the largest military buyers of American military hardware in regard to security and military cooperation. On the other hand, speculations suggest that the UAE has already shown a strong desire to purchase Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system, a very effective arm technical ballistic system, in hopes of combating the threat posed by Iran's stockpile of ballistic missiles. As stated by Vice President Mohammad Khatami in a statement, "We are finding ourselves in a scenario where our surrounding Arab countries are turning to Israel to challenge Iran." This is according to Al-Jazeera News, which also stated that several Iranian lawmakers have already exposed warnings about the impending threat from the Israeli agenda. The accord makes the UAE the third Arab country to enjoy regular relations with Israel in return for Israel's vow to "postpone" the disputed plans for the annexation of the West Bank. The Islamic Republic of Iran, however, has suffered as a result of the declaration.

However, there are some states which express their will regarding the UAE and Israel peace deal. They are as follows; Palestine's stance; The statement issued by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that we the people of Palestinian denounced this accord and also pointed to the mainstream that has paused the entire generation from the development and skewed the Palestine Interest with respect to their own Political interest. He says that the deal was a "betrayal of Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa and the Palestinian cause, Jordan Stance; she said that the UAE-Israel agreement could go ahead with stalled peace talks if it succeeds in provoking Israel to recognize a Palestinian state on land which Israel captured in the Arab-Israeli War of 1967, Egypt Stance; Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-SISI, a close ally of the UAE, welcomed the agreement, Iran Stance; Iranian President Hassan ROUHANI has characterized the agreement as a "massive error.” The Emirates rulers think their stability will strengthen and their economy will expand if they pursue America and the Zionist regime," ROUHANI said. "But this is a complete misunderstanding, Turkey's stance; on the other side, Turkey has said that history does not forget and never excuses the Arabic perspectives regarding recognising Israel and called this stance the "hypocritical conduct" in committing to an agreement and their polite behaviour to minimize and accept Israel as a state and to regulate their relations with Israel. According to the plebiscite, the Turkish government has concentrated on the rights of the Palestinians and wants to resolve the conflict. Pakistan perspectives: The Pakistan administration totally disagrees and ramshackle the UAE and Israeli agreement. On the basis of Islamic stances, Pakistan's Foreign Affairs have a strong adherence to the complete protection of the Palestine people right's including autonomy of Palestine, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East region are also the main goals for Pakistan.




Pakistan's Status in South Asia with Respect to Afghanistan

Pakistan has served an important character in the Afghan peace talks. As a neighbouring country, Pakistan has always been involved in Afghan issues. Since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001, Pakistan has been a main actor in the process of peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. The country has hosted several rounds of talks between the two sides and has also facilitated negotiations between the Taliban and the United States. Pakistan's involvement in the Afghan peace talks is motivated by several factors. Firstly, Pakistan shares a long and porous border with Afghanistan, and instability in Afghanistan has spillover effects on Pakistan's security situation. Secondly, Pakistan has historical ties with the Taliban and has used them as a proxy to exert influence in Afghanistan. Thirdly, Pakistan aspires to offset India's expanding influence in Afghanistan, which it views as a danger to its own security.

Pakistan has been instrumental in getting the Taliban to the negotiation table. In 2015, In MUREE negotiations, Pakistan facilitated the first session of peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban. The talks were later scuttled when news of Taliban leader Mullah Omar's death was announced. However, Pakistan continued to push for peace talks, and in 2018, facilitated direct talks between the Taliban and the US in Doha, Qatar. Pakistan's role in the peace talks has been praised by the international community. The United States has acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in facilitating the talks and has lauded the country's support for the peace process. Similarly, the Afghan government has also welcomed Pakistan's role in the peace talks.

However, Pakistan's involvement in the peace talks has not been without criticism. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and using them as a proxy to exert influence in Afghanistan. The Afghan government additionally alleges Pakistan of aiding the Taliban by offering safe havens on its territory. The accusation has strained Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan and has also raised concerns about the country's commitment to the peace process. Despite the criticism, Pakistan has remained committed to the peace process in Afghanistan. The country has continued to arrange discussions involving the Taliban and the Afghan government, as well as to advocate for a peaceful conclusion to the war. Pakistan has also called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan that includes all stakeholders and reflects the aspirations of the Afghan people.

Pakistan plays a vital role in the relationship between Afghan peace talks and tries its best to communicate with Afghan and neighbouring countries while talking about Afghan peace talks Pakistan cannot be neglected due to its efforts towards peace. Pakistan is also facing terrorist attacks and fighting for peace among countries as well it shows a positive image of Pakistan regarding Afghan peace talks.




Pakistan Faces different Challenges along with a Difficult Decision that Weather to Recognize Israel or not

According to the current scenario, Pakistan has ever and never recognized Israel as an independent state due to several challenges or maybe called reasons or the National Interest of Pakistan. They are followed as under; 

It is impossible for Pakistan to recognize Israel because it creates instability in the region. If Pakistan recognizes Israel then Pakistan lost its position, power, and respect in the region as well as in the Muslim countries. Pakistan is the only Muslim country that has a nuclear capability which ultimately puts pressure on neighbouring countries, especially our enemy India. The other Muslim countries are depending on Pakistan's role which may give negative results.  

Pakistan stands on the two-nation theory. Pakistan wants to give independent status to Palestine according to the two-nation theory after that Pakistan will recognize Israel. This is the main hurdle for Pakistan when Israel announced the Palestinian status then automatically Kashmir issue will also be resolved. The regional powers will also exert pressure on India that she must also resolve the Kashmir issue just like Palestine.  

Future perspective:  it is going to South Asia from the West. If we analyze the current situation of the World politics and Economic spectrum Israel is also depending on the South Asian countries, because of the mineral resources and other precious metals. It means on the future, Israel is depending on Pakistan, China, Turkey, and Iran. This is a clear-cut for Israel to enter into the region. For this sake, Israel is going to normalize its relations ties. In this regard, Pakistan does not want Israeli existence and never be accepted as a sovereign state.   

Arab states have a lot of oil resources but they are Military weak position, so Israel has started the game in this region they are made for Israel to take advantage of.  While Pakistan, China, and Turkey, are Military strong countries ad their relations are good, Pakistan does not want to give space for Israel. This is also a positive reason for Pakistan that she will not accept Israel. If Pakistan will accept the Israel state as an independent state then Israel alone will be a powerful state in the region. Pakistan has to lead a role in the Islamic countries, for this purpose Pakistan cannot accept the deal. From the economic, political, and social side; we should have to consider that Pakistan has to strong its camp with Muslim countries just like China and Russia camp is strong. There are several Muslim countries that are totally against Israel on behalf of the Palestinian issue. It will cause chaos in the region. 

Indians' role regarding the Peace deal, India always wants to weak Pakistan's position. As we know that India is the emerging power but they are not good fighters. While in Pakistan there are freedom fights known as jihad they are always ready to fight. I mean that India is playing its role to weaken Pakistan and give space to the Israeli forces but they are unaware of Pakistan forces and jihad fighters. In this regard, with Islam's strongest ties between Pakistani forces and Jihadi fighters, Pakistan will never accept the deal.

Geography Location:  Pakistan places a good role. If to suppose that something happens that Pakistan will accept the deal then Israel will reach the Pacific and Indian Ocean. China does not want the Israeli part and stops this activity. Pakistan is a golden opportunity for China and they can easily be comfortable tackling this harsh situation. The bomb blast in Lebanon is the current example of the Israel and USA game which is directly linked to the deal and puts pressure on the region and weakened Pakistan, turkey, and Malaysia's power. Now come to the current situation; Mostly Arab peoples are upset about the UAE deal with Israel and they are going back from this deal, such as UAE and Saudi Arabia. An example referring to this situation is the Defense deal between them. UAE needed F-35 jet Air Planes for defence from Iran and Israel told the to US put pressure on UAE that make trade relations.

Overview: Pakistan's Stance on State Recognition of Israel

According to the above-mentioned factors, and data collected from secondary sources, Pakistan has never recognized Israel as an independent state due to several challenges, national interests, and internal biases. Recognizing Israel would create instability in the region, causing Pakistan to lose its position, power, and respect in the region and the Muslim countries. As the only Muslim country with nuclear capability, recognizing Israel could put pressure on neighbouring countries, especially India, and may give negative results. Pakistan's strong adherence to the protection of Palestine's people's rights, including self-determination, peace, and prosperity in the Middle East region, is also a reflection of its commitment to upholding the principles of international law and promoting global justice and equality. By supporting the Palestinian cause, Pakistan seeks to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is crucial for regional stability and security. Pakistan's stance on Palestine has also won the country's respect and support from many Muslim countries and other nations that share their views on this issue. It is important to note that Pakistan's stance on recognizing Israel is not just influenced by religious or ideological factors but also strategic and geopolitical considerations.

Moreover, it is also important to consider the impact of Pakistan's recognition of Israel on its relations with other countries in the region, particularly its close ally China, which has consistently supported the Palestinian cause. Pakistan's recognition of Israel could lead to strained relations with China, which may impact Pakistan's economic and strategic interests.

Conclusion

I have concluded that Pakistan cannot recognize Israel based on the reasoning above. All Pakistani citizens are unable to visit Israel because Pakistan will not recognize Israel until a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict with Palestine has been established. Pakistani passports have an indication stating that they are invalid for travel to Israel. The issue of state recognition is a complex one, particularly in the context of the UAE-Israel deal. Pakistan faces a difficult decision on whether to recognize Israel or not, and it must carefully consider the legal, strategic, and geopolitical implications of its decision. It is important to recognize that Pakistan's decision on this matter will have far-reaching consequences, not just for its relations with Israel but also for its relations with other countries in the region and beyond. Ultimately, Pakistan's decision should be guided by its national interests and the principles of international law.

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