ISLAMABAD – In a rare display of policy somersault the Foreign Office has strongly supported covert, if not overt, diplomatic ties with Israel claiming the shift would bring about a bonanza of political, military, and economic benefits for Pakistan.

The advantages and disadvantages of this significant decision have been spelt out in a confidential summary prepared by the Middle East section of the Foreign Office last month on instructions from “some high office.”

The Nation learnt reliably that Pakistan had discussed this issue with Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates many times over during the last few months. The issue also came up for discussion during Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Saudi Arabia in June. On Monday (today) Musharraf is leaving for a visit to Tunisia, Algiers and Morocco where the issue is expected to stay on top of the agenda.

The Foreign Office summary, which claims Pakistan will not have any disadvantage if it recognizes Israel, was handed over to General Musharraf before he embarked upon a four-nation visit last month to UK, US, Germany, and France.

“We don’t see any harm in recognizing Israel,” said a senior Foreign Office official, requesting not to be named, when contacted for his comments. He, however, hurried to add the summary was not the brainchild of Foreign Office but reflected the thinking at the highest level to bring a policy shift on the issue of Israel. “You can say that we have done the cost and benefit analysis.” [...]