In a world where international travel has become common, many countries allow their citizens to visit various places using their passports. However, there are exceptions to this, and one such case is the fact that Pakistani passport holders cannot visit Israel. Let’s try to understand the complex and delicate geopolitical reasons behind why Pakistani passports are not valid in Israel.
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan DOES NOT recognize Israel as a legitimate state. Hence, it bears the inscription “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel”.
Historical Context
The relationship between Pakistan and Israel has been marred by a historical lack of diplomatic recognition. Pakistan, along with several other Muslim-majority countries, has maintained a policy of non-recognition of Israel since its establishment in 1948. This stance is rooted in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and in support of the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
No Diplomatic Relations
One of the fundamental reasons why Pakistani passports are not valid in Israel is the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Pakistan does not officially recognize Israel as a state, and as a result, there are no formal diplomatic ties, embassies, or consulates to facilitate the issuance of visas for Pakistani citizens.
Reciprocity and Visa Policies
In many cases, a country’s visa policy towards another is influenced by reciprocity. Since Pakistani passports are not accepted in Israel, Israeli passport holders also face restrictions when it comes to traveling to Pakistan. This lack of reciprocity further complicates the situation.
Security Concerns
Israel’s stringent security measures and geopolitical volatility in the Middle East play a significant role in the limited acceptance of foreign passports. The Israeli government has justified strict visa policies as a necessary means to protect its national security. As Pakistan is not recognized by Israel, Pakistani passport holders are unable to enter the country.
The Palestinian Issue
A cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy is its support for the Palestinian cause. The conflict between Israel and Palestine has long been a divisive issue, and Pakistan’s stance in support of the Palestinians is deeply ingrained in its foreign policy. As long as this conflict remains unresolved, it is unlikely that Pakistan will establish diplomatic ties with Israel.
How can a Pakistani citizen visit Israel from Pakistan or anywhere?
It’s important to note that visiting Israel as a Pakistani passport holder is subject to certain legal and logistical considerations. In Pakistan, traveling to Israel is prohibited by law. However, under Israeli law, there are no restrictions on Pakistani passport holders entering the country.
To visit Israel as a Pakistani, you must take certain precautions:
1. Avoid Land Borders: To prevent border stamps from Jordan or Egypt, avoid entering or exiting Israel by land. This is crucial because these stamps may indicate travel to Israel in your passport.
2. Request a Separate Visa: When applying for an Israeli visa, request a separate paper visa that is not attached to your passport. This can help conceal any signs of your travel to Israel.
To obtain an Israeli visa:
• Visit an Israeli Embassy or Consulate: If you are already outside Pakistan and in a country where Israel has a diplomatic mission, you can go to the nearest Israeli Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa.
• Travel to Specific Locations: If you are in Pakistan and want to apply for an Israeli visa, you may need to travel to one of the few countries where Pakistani citizens can easily visit and have Israeli diplomatic missions. These countries include Baku, Azerbaijan; Nairobi, Kenya; Yangon, Myanmar; Accra, Ghana; and Kathmandu, Nepal. You would fly to one of these locations, visit the Israeli Embassy, and submit your visa application there.
Once you’ve obtained the necessary Israeli visa and taken the precautions to protect your passport, you can travel to Israel, entering through Ben Gurion Airport.
Please be aware that visa and travel regulations can change, so it’s essential to verify the current requirements with the Israeli authorities and embassies or consulates before planning your visit.
Conclusion
The inability of Pakistani passport holders to visit Israel is a complex issue deeply rooted in historical, diplomatic, and geopolitical factors. The absence of formal diplomatic relations, security concerns, and Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause all contribute to this situation. Until there is a significant shift in the political landscape of the Middle East, it is unlikely that Pakistani passports will be recognized in Israel, and vice versa. The resolution of this issue, like many others in international relations, requires diplomacy, compromise, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
