January 22, 2025

In a swift response, Palestine has recalled its envoy to Pakistan after India strongly objected to his act of sharing the stage with dreaded terrorist and known India-baiter Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan. It is now clear that Walid Abu Ali, the Palestinian ambassador to Pakistan, had exceeded his brief and was meeting Saeed in his individual capacity. Earlier, when pictures of Ali sharing the stage with Saeed got viral, the MEA issued a strongly worded demarche to Palestine pointing out that Saeed was a UN designated terrorist and the envoy’s association with him was “unacceptable”. Palestine immediately expressed regret and recalled Ali.

This proves that despite Pakistan’s closeness with Palestine, when push comes to shove, nations will always favour those who are fighting terror. Palestine assured the MEA that it was with India in its fight against terror. The MEA, in a statement, said that "they have said they will deal with this matter appropriately. It was also conveyed that Palestine highly values its relationship with India and stands with us in war against terrorism and will not engage with those who commit acts of terror against India.”

The Palestinian reaction and the swift response should have a sobering effect on Pakistan as well as the numerous terrorist groups operating out of that country. Both Pakistan and the terror outfits have been trying their utmost to unite all Muslim nations against India by projecting it as an oppressor of Muslims in Jammu & Kashmir and elsewhere in the country. But India’s huge Muslim population (second only to Indonesia and expected to be largest in the world by 2040) and its traditionally strong and cordial relations with most Muslim nations have thwarted their designs. This incident proves that while certain individuals might cozy up to Saeed, most nations will not support him. The MEA also deserves applause for acting with alacrity to protect Indian interests and not allowing Saeed the luxury of giving an impression of winning over India’s ally.