Hamid Mir, in an article published by Jang News, has unveiled some previously undisclosed discussions and events surrounding the decision to initiate diplomatic relations with Israel. In this article, he highlights a pivotal meeting that took place four years ago, involving the former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, and influential journalists and columnists who advised him on establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.
Mir recounts a meeting in which one of his journalist friends reminded him of a gathering at the Prime Minister’s House, where Imran Khan was being counseled on the matter. During the meeting, various colleagues recommended to Khan the idea of establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. While Khan silently listened to these suggestions, Mir’s friend pointedly asked whether the picture hanging above the Prime Minister depicted a great leader or if Khan considered himself a great leader. Khan’s response was resolute as he affirmed that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the leader of all, emphasizing that only Jinnah’s policy could prevail in Pakistan.
Mir also highlighted the context surrounding this meeting, which took place in March 2019. On February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes in Balakot, Pakistan. There were reports suggesting that Israeli planes had planned to attack Pakistan’s nuclear facilities via Rajasthan during the bombing. However, the Pakistan Air Force successfully deterred the Indian Air Force, preventing the Israeli attack. Following these events, General Qamar Javed Bajwa initiated discussions with journalists, including Mir, to explore the possibility of talks with Israel in an effort to break the alliance between Israel and India.
However, the decision to establish diplomatic relations with Israel was not without its controversies. Mir mentioned that he believed such discussions should occur within the parliament, rather than solely within the media. Nevertheless, General Bajwa arranged a meeting between media personnel and Imran Khan, resulting in the establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel.
Mir also pointed out that after refusing to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, Imran Khan’s government continued for another year. It was only in March 2021 that a vote of no confidence was triggered, primarily due to alleged interference in the army’s internal affairs.
The article highlights the complexities surrounding the issue of establishing diplomatic relations with Israel and the varying opinions on this matter within Pakistan. It also sheds light on the political dynamics and their impact on key events in the country.
My journalist friend still holds a deep admiration for Imran Khan, but he has become notably circumspect in openly expressing his affection. I conveyed to him the thought that had we, back in 2019, heeded General Bajwa’s counsel and embarked on a journey of camaraderie with Israel, our consciences would likely weigh heavily upon us today. We would have ventured into uncharted territories.
On March 7, 2019, I penned down the details of the meeting with Imran Khan in my column for Daily Jang, which seemed to ruffle my colleague’s feathers. I implored them to respect our differing perspectives and refrain from imposing their stance on me. I cautioned that those steering Imran Khan towards an alliance with Israel would not publicly champion this policy; instead, they would utilize my colleague and me like disposable tissue paper, ultimately discarding us.
Interestingly, some of our fellow anchors departed Pakistan after the conclusion of Imran Khan’s government last year. They are currently situated in the United States, passionately advocating for the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law in Pakistan. If Imran Khan had acquiesced to their counsel, Maulana Fazlur Rehman might not have returned from Islamabad in October 2019. He could have met his fate within the confines of the Prime Minister’s House, alongside numerous compatriots. Notably, General Bajwa and General Faiz played pivotal roles in facilitating Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s return.
Even after seven months of Imran Khan’s rejection of the proposal regarding Israel in March 2019, it appears that General Bajwa and Faiz continue to shield the Tehreek-e-Insaf government.
Read More: Feb 11 Confirmed for elections, ECP Counsel to Supreme Court
In the current scenario, as Imran Khan finds himself in Adiala Jail, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has expressed his desire for a fair and unrestrained political battle. Consequently, a delegation from Tehreek-e-Insaf paid him a visit, offering condolences for his recent loss. Despite the persisting political differences between Imran Khan and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, it is encouraging to witness a departure from the tradition of converting political disagreements into personal animosities.
One cannot help but notice that several politicians, journalists, and lawyers of our era are willing to twist truth into falsehood and falsehood into truth, all in the pursuit of personal gain. Blatant violations of the constitution are being justified as essential for the country’s interests. These individuals, it seems, are the contemporary equivalent of disposable tissue paper, and once their utility is exhausted, they too will be cast aside. My words will echo in their ears when that moment arrives.
