Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, China, and the United Nations, Sardar Masood Khan, revealed that high-level talks between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, stalled in their final stages despite the parties nearing a comprehensive agreement. Former Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan described the negotiation environment as positive but confirmed that progress was halted due to some lingering differences.
Speaking on Wednesday, Sardar Masood Khan, who previously served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, China, and the UN, termed the country’s role an “extraordinary success,” establishing Pakistan as a credible global peacemaker where other regional and global powers had failed.
He attributed the diplomatic progress to continuous and proactive efforts, stating that Pakistan had engaged not only with Washington and Tehran but also with key regional partners since the outset of the crisis. According to the former diplomat, this strategy of continuous consultation fostered a consensus-based environment conducive to constructive negotiations.
Mr. Khan dismissed any impression of the talks’ failure, calling them an ongoing process. He emphasized that there were no indications of escalating tensions at any point, and both the US and Iran described the atmosphere in Islamabad as “positive and dignified.”
The former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir further added that Pakistan’s mediation framework is active, with back-channel communications ongoing at technical and legal levels. He presented this as a sign that the diplomatic process is continuing and Pakistan’s role will remain crucial.
Sardar Masood Khan urged the nation to leverage this diplomatic standing to strengthen its economic and strategic position. He cited growing cooperation with the US in emerging sectors and strong relations with China through projects like CPEC 2.0 as recent advancements in economic diplomacy.
Furthermore, he highlighted that partnerships with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are creating new investment opportunities in energy and infrastructure. He commented that Pakistan’s geopolitical significance and evolving economic landscape are being recognized globally, and ports like Gwadar, Karachi, and Port Qasim are becoming key hubs for regional connectivity.
Regarding the regional situation, the former ambassador advised caution against various narratives, including those from India, while emphasizing that Pakistan’s responsible, peace-oriented role is rapidly gaining global recognition.
He lauded overseas Pakistanis as a valuable national asset, appreciating that they are not only supporting the country’s economy but also enhancing its global influence. The increase in investment by expatriates in technology, services, and industry was described as a welcome development.
In his concluding remarks, Sardar Masood Khan described the current situation as a turning point, stating that Pakistan has solidified its international standing through diplomacy based on the principles of the UN Charter. He expressed the idea that this success can be transformed into sustainable national prosperity by combining it with continuous economic reforms, human development, and sovereign policies.