Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, has said that laying a sustainable foundation for Pakistan’s economic and industrial development is the need of the hour. He warned that historical precedents show that lost opportunities rarely return.

In a televised conversation, Mr. Khan urged Pakistan to expedite financial blueprints and planning, embrace new developments, and utilize current diplomatic and political successes to attract investment and promote growth. He suggested that Pakistan diversify its investment portfolio and not solely rely on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Praising Pakistani leadership on diplomatic successes following military tensions with India, he noted that Pakistan’s importance is now recognized in major global capitals, including Washington. The White House, State Department, Pentagon, and CENTCOM all view Pakistan as a key regional partner, opening up new strategic and financial avenues.

Highlighting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, Mr. Khan explained that discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang dispelled concerns that Pakistan’s growing relationship with the US would harm its ties with China. He cited $8.5 billion in agreements with China in addition to CPEC II, encompassing IT, communication, science and technology, Karakoram Highway adjustments, railway projects, and the globalization of Gwadar Port. He also acknowledged notable diplomatic progress with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Gulf countries, along with constructive exchanges with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

Mr. Khan stated that the current US administration’s approach of viewing Pakistan independently of India provides a platform for lasting and productive relations, a stance echoed by Republicans and key US institutions. He concluded by advocating for the streamlining and integration of national financial planning processes, emphasizing the importance of translating diplomatic achievements into financial growth.