Imran Khan’s Relentless Advocacy for Palestinian Justice

The recent situation in Gaza and Palestine remains dire, with ongoing violence, displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Israeli military operations have resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties, including women and children, while widespread destruction has left Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins. The blockade, now in its 17th year, continues to restrict access to essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, pushing the population to the brink of survival. International calls for a ceasefire and a lasting political solution have gone largely unheeded, leaving Palestinians in a state of perpetual suffering.

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, consistently condemning Israeli aggression and calling for international intervention. During his tenure, Khan emphasized the need for Muslim unity and urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take stronger action against Israel’s violations. His government also supported UN resolutions demanding an end to the occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Khan’s stance reflects Pakistan’s longstanding policy of non-recognition of Israel until a just and peaceful resolution is achieved, based on the two-state solution with pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital.

Pakistan has historically stood with Palestine, viewing its struggle as a moral and political obligation rooted in principles of self-determination and justice. Despite geopolitical pressures, Islamabad has maintained diplomatic solidarity, refusing to normalize ties with Israel without progress on Palestine. The current Pakistani government, though facing internal challenges, continues to raise the issue on global platforms, demanding accountability for war crimes and urging immediate humanitarian relief for Gaza.

As the world watches the unfolding tragedy, voices like Imran Khan’s remind us of the urgency of addressing Palestine’s plight—not just through rhetoric, but through concrete actions to end oppression and uphold international law.

1. Condemnation of Israeli Aggression and Solidarity with Palestine

Imran Khan has repeatedly condemned Israeli military actions in Palestine, particularly during escalations in violence. In May 2021, amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, Khan tweeted:

“I am PM of Pakistan and #WeStandWithGaza #WeStandWithPalestine.” 138

He also shared a powerful quote attributed to Noam Chomsky (originally from a Gaza protest placard):

“You take my water, burn my olive trees, destroy my house, take my job, steal my land, imprison my father, kill my mother, bombard my country, starve us all, humiliate us all, but I am to blame: I shot a rocket back.” 28

Khan’s tweets came alongside Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry’s condemnation of Israel’s attacks, which he described as “violating all norms of humanity & international law.” 

2. Rejection of Normalization with Israel Without Palestinian Justice

Despite speculation in Israeli media about potential diplomatic shifts under Khan, he has firmly reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing policy of non-recognition of Israel until Palestinians achieve statehood. In a 2024 statement from Adiala Jail, he clarified:

“My stance on Israel aligns with Pakistan’s position… Any talks with Israel should be held after a Gaza ceasefire.” 

He dismissed claims that he supported normalization, calling them “propaganda” and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to a “two-state solution with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as the capital of Palestine.”

Earlier, in a 2020 interview, Khan invoked Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah:

“Quaid-i-Azam had said in 1948 that Pakistan could not recognise Israel unless it gave freedom to Palestinians. If we recognise Israel and ignore [the] tyranny faced by Palestinians, we will have to give up [the cause of] Kashmir as well.” 

This linkage between Kashmir and Palestine underscores Khan’s view that both conflicts stem from unresolved territorial occupations.

3. Calls for International Intervention and Muslim Unity

Khan has frequently urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the UN to take stronger action. In 2021, following Israeli raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, he tweeted:

“Strongly condemn Israeli Forces’ attack especially during Ramazan on Palestinians in Qibla-e-Awaal, Al-Aqsa Mosque… Int community must take immed action to protect Palestinians & their legitimate rights.” 

He criticized the “inhumane blockade and collective punishment by Israeli forces” and called for lifting restrictions on Gaza 11. His Foreign Ministry echoed this, stating:

“The indiscriminate use of force by Israeli forces against defenceless Palestinians defies all humanitarian norms and human rights laws.” 

4. Diplomatic and Moral Support from Palestine

Palestinian leaders have acknowledged Khan’s advocacy. In 2020, the Palestinian embassy in Islamabad stated:

“Palestinians consider Pakistan as our second homeland and Pakistanis as our dearest brothers, who always supported Palestine on every forum of the world.” 

They thanked Khan for his “strong response” against Israeli aggression, reinforcing the deep diplomatic and emotional ties between Pakistan and Palestine.

5. Domestic and Geopolitical Challenges to Khan’s Stance

Despite his firm position, Khan faced domestic scrutiny over his personal ties to the West, including his former marriage to Jemima Goldsmith (whose family is of Jewish heritage). Some critics speculated about his potential openness to Israel, but Khan consistently dismissed such claims.

In 2024, Israeli media speculated that Khan’s “credibility in the West and Muslim world” could make him a bridge for Pakistan-Israel relations. However, Khan rejected this narrative, emphasizing that Pakistan’s policy remains unchanged until Palestinian rights are secured.

Imran Khan’s stance on Palestine reflects Pakistan’s historical solidarity with oppressed Muslim communities. From condemning Israeli airstrikes to rejecting normalization without justice, his rhetoric has been unwavering. His calls for UN intervention, OIC unity, and adherence to international law highlight his belief in a rules-based global order.

As he stated in 2021:

“We stand with the Palestinian people, as we stand with the Kashmiri people.” 

This dual commitment underscores his vision of a foreign policy rooted in anti-colonialism and justice. Even amid political persecution in Pakistan, Khan’s voice on Palestine remains firm—a testament to his ideological consistency.

Key Takeaways:

1. Khan strongly condemned Israeli violence, especially during Ramadan 2021, calling it a violation of human rights 18.
2. He rejected normalization with Israel unless Palestinians gain freedom, aligning with Jinnah’s 1948 stance 1214.
3. He urged Muslim nations and the UN to take stronger action against Israeli aggression 111.
4. Palestine praised Pakistan’s support, calling it a “second homeland”.
5. Despite speculation, Khan maintained Pakistan’s policy, dismissing claims of favoring Israel 514.

Imran Khan’s unwavering advocacy ensures Pakistan remains a steadfast voice for Palestine, demanding justice on the global stage. His bold condemnation of Israeli aggression and calls for urgent intervention reflect Pakistan’s historic stance—one rooted in principles of self-determination and moral responsibility. Khan’s stance not only galvanizes his political base but also strikes a chord across the Muslim world, reinforcing solidarity with Gaza’s oppressed. As the crisis worsens, his leadership underscores the need for decisive international action, challenging complicity and indifference. Pakistan’s position, shaped by Khan’s resolve, remains clear: no recognition of Israel without a free Palestine.