Pakistan’s veteran diplomat Sardar Masood Khan has issued a stark warning that if the escalating tensions in the Middle East are not contained, it could spiral into the most devastating conflict since World War II. The warning comes as Islamabad prepares to host a high-level meeting of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt in a significant diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions.
, the former ambassador stressed today that the trilateral summit is a deliberate and crucial step aimed at preventing the current crisis from escalating into a broader regional catastrophe, which has already inflicted severe human and financial losses globally.
Khan, who previously served as the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, clarified that the primary objective of the Islamabad meeting is to de-escalate tensions, pave the way for a ceasefire, and prevent the crisis from becoming a global confrontation. He described the current level of destruction as extremely severe, stating that it could take decades to deal with its aftermath.
He presented Pakistan not merely as an interested party but as a “credible and effective mediator” in what he termed a joint diplomatic effort, stressing that sustained regional cooperation is essential for any tangible progress.
However, the mediation process faces numerous challenges. According to the former diplomat, both the United States and Iran have adopted rigid stances, while Israel has yet to join the process. He added that while there are signs of a desire for negotiations, any escalation in military actions, particularly attacks on nuclear facilities, could seriously worsen the situation.
Khan highlighted Pakistan’s unique potential for mediation due to its strong diplomatic ties with Washington, Tehran, and the Gulf nations. He cited Pakistan’s historical role in major diplomatic breakthroughs, including facilitating the restoration of US-China relations in 1971 and assisting in recent contacts between American and Iranian officials.
Pakistan’s ability to bridge the gulf is further strengthened by its defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, its long-standing partnership with Turkey, and its diplomatic significance with Egypt. These efforts are also bolstered by the involvement of Qatar and Oman, with support from China and Malaysia.
Sardar Masood Khan concluded with a grave warning, stating that a failure to contain the crisis could lead to widespread instability, economic devastation, and potentially a broader global war, underscoring the indispensable nature of the current diplomatic initiatives.