In a recent address at the Council on Foreign Relations during his visit to the United States for the 78th United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar drew criticism, primarily from PTI activists, for his controversial comparison of China’s strong ties to Pakistan to the unwavering support enjoyed by Israel from the United States. This comparison was deemed by many as “shockingly poor language.”
During the interview, PM Kakar stated, “Pakistan enjoys a strategic relationship with China. We are very clear that there are people who would liken Pakistan to China’s Israel. It is perhaps a more apt analogy for the American audience, given their understanding of the significance of Israel to the United States.”
These remarks were made in response to a question about the current state of Pakistan-China relations. PM Kakar went on to emphasize the commonalities between the two nations, particularly regarding the emergent regional crises and their shared positions on key issues such as the One-China policy and China’s stances on Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang.
Some observers noted that this statement could be a reference to a quote by Chinese General Xiong Guangkai, cited in the introduction of Andrew Small’s book, “The China Pakistan Axis: Asia’s New Geopolitics.”
Former PTI MPA Taimur Khan Jhagra expressed his disapproval, asking, “Why should we want our country to be compared to ‘China’s Israel’? Can we not define Pakistan on its own merits and strive to make it a prosperous example for the world?”
PTI’s Faisal Amin Khan, the brother of party leader Ali Amin Gandapur, criticized the comparison, stating, “Drawing parallels between our country and Israel, a nation often seen as a bully, is not a wise move.”
Pointing out the possible connection to Small’s book, he suggested that the prime minister may have perused it “en route to New York.”
Summarizing PM Kakar’s comments, PTI activist Virk Shahzaib posted, “The caretaker PM believes Pakistan is akin to China’s Israel, a comparison that is not only reprehensible but also perplexing from any perspective.”
Former PTI leader Hammad Azhar called for an apology from the prime minister, asserting, “Comparing Pakistan to Israel, a nation founded through the forceful acquisition of another people’s land and sustained through oppression and violence, is an insult.”
Meanwhile, journalists and lawyers also weighed in on the ongoing discourse. Dawn’s US correspondent Anwar Iqbal questioned the prime minister’s intentions, while DawnNewsTV host Adil Shahzeb expressed astonishment at PM Kakar’s choice of words.
Supreme Court lawyer Zahid F. Ebrahim expressed disappointment, particularly with Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, stating that the caretaker foreign minister should have opposed the prime minister’s extravagant foreign trip more vigorously.
Another lawyer, Dr. Alizaan, clarified, “The prime minister’s intention was not to equate the responsibilities of states, but rather to establish that just as Israel is highly regarded by the US, Pakistan holds a special place in China’s eyes.”
