No, Pakistan and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations and are not considered allies.
Historical Background:
- Pakistan's stance: Pakistan has historically supported the Palestinian cause and opposed the existence of Israel. This stems from the shared Islamic identity between Pakistan and Palestine, as well as Pakistan's strong stance against Zionism.
- Arab-Israeli conflict: The Arab-Israeli conflict has been a major factor in shaping Pakistan's relationship with Israel. Pakistan has traditionally sided with the Arab states in this conflict.
- No diplomatic relations: Pakistan has never formally recognized Israel, and there are no official embassies or consulates between the two countries.
Current Situation:
- Limited engagement: While there is no official alliance, there have been some limited engagements between Pakistan and Israel in recent years. This includes unofficial contacts and cooperation on issues like counter-terrorism.
- Changing dynamics: Some observers believe that the changing geopolitical landscape in the Middle East could potentially lead to a shift in Pakistan's stance towards Israel. However, this remains a subject of speculation and debate.
In conclusion, Pakistan and Israel are not allies. While there have been limited engagements in recent years, Pakistan's historical and political stance towards Israel remains largely unchanged.
