According to a statement by former senior Pakistani diplomat Sardar Masood Khan, a newly expanded five-nation diplomatic bloc, with the inclusion of China, is presenting a five-point plan to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East, terming an immediate ceasefire as the indispensable first step to avoid a wider conflict.
In a statement released on Thursday, Khan, a former ambassador to the United States, China, and the United Nations, emphasized that China’s inclusion has given the peace process “extraordinary significance” and established it on a multilateral foundation.
He explained that the original four-nation framework, comprising Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, has transformed into a “five-plus mechanism” with Beijing’s participation, a move that has strengthened the negotiations and enhanced trust among the parties.
The first and most crucial proposal of the five-point plan is an immediate cessation of hostilities, which Khan described as essential for the success of any diplomatic initiative. He said that continued tensions are actively undermining the ongoing peace efforts.
The second phase of the plan involves the restoration of humanitarian aid to war-affected areas. This is followed by a third phase that necessitates the initiation of “meaningful and sustained dialogue” between key stakeholders, particularly the United States and Iran, to resolve complex issues.
Stressing the need to protect civilian infrastructure, Khan warned that attacks on non-military targets, especially nuclear and energy facilities, could push the region into a more perilous situation.
He identified the Strait of Hormuz as a particularly sensitive point, stressing that the free flow of maritime traffic through this channel is indispensable for the stability of the global economy.
According to the former president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the initiative is based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, which provides legal and moral legitimacy to the diplomatic process.
This peace effort is also reportedly gaining global support, with Khan mentioning that the European Union has signaled its backing for a diplomatic path and the creation of a conducive environment for negotiations.
Highlighting the synergistic roles of Pakistan and China, he said their capabilities complement each other. China brings global influence and strong relationships with key parties, while Pakistan holds diplomatic trust with both Washington and Tehran, allowing them to forge a common path toward peace.
However, Khan warned that the success of the peace mission depends entirely on the flexibility of the parties involved. Acknowledging “some positive signs behind the scenes,” he stressed that a retreat from hardline positions is necessary for any real breakthrough, urging all parties to embrace the path of dialogue and reconciliation.