Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, has described the recent ceasefire in Gaza and the introduction of the 20-point peace framework as a ray of hope. In a statement on Wednesday, he stressed the need for ongoing and realistic assessment to ensure its effective implementation and lasting impact.
He described the scenes of celebration in Tel Aviv, Ramallah, and Khan Younis as a testament to hope and relief but also a reminder of the severe challenges faced by the Palestinian people, including genocide and dispossession. Khan called the ceasefire a significant pause and a crucial turning point, stressing that the ultimate challenge lies in giving Palestinians genuine control over their destiny and sovereignty.
The agreement between Israel and Hamas, backed by the United States, is being considered a temporary step, contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state and the fulfillment of self-determination. Khan questioned whether Palestinians would be active participants in shaping their future or mere spectators in the proposed “Board of Peace” and interim government models.
He emphasized the importance of the proposed reconstruction plans in Gaza, stressing that they should facilitate the dignified return of displaced Palestinians and the restoration of their land, not to turn Gaza into a geographical or commercial laboratory. Khan also pointed out that the Israeli leadership’s opposition to a Palestinian state highlights that achieving lasting peace without justice is impossible.
Discussing Pakistan’s role, Khan praised its principled and active diplomacy, which has been instrumental in advocating for peace in the Middle East and addressing the ongoing genocide in Gaza. He acknowledged the global recognition of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and described the collective efforts of the Islamic world as crucial for achieving a balanced peace.
Observing the changing dynamics in the region, Khan said that allowing Hamas to regroup reflects an awareness of the ground realities, as isolating them could destabilize any future political agreement. He criticized the double standards in the rhetoric of the US leadership, acknowledging that while Israel’s narrative is often prioritized, the meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh with the participation of eight Muslim countries, including Pakistan, indicates a significant diplomatic shift.
He emphasized the importance of avoiding a repeat of the Oslo model in the current peace process, pointing to Israel’s withdrawal from past agreements and the challenges of establishing a Palestinian state. Khan welcomed the recognition of a Palestinian state by countries like Ireland, Spain, and Portugal, suggesting these moves are a result of internal political pressure rather than moral commitments.
In his concluding remarks, Sardar Masood Khan called for international monitoring, transparent implementation, and unity among Muslim countries, stating that true peace will only be achieved when Palestine emerges on the global stage as an independent, sovereign, and complete entity.