Sardar Masood Khan, who is an experienced diplomat and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, has urged the government to actively engage in diplomatic channels to prevent regional conflicts while maintaining its sovereignty and security.
In a statement today, Khan highlighted the delicate situation between the United States and Iran, pointing out the persistent threat of military conflict and ongoing diplomatic efforts. He said that despite conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran, there remains hope for de-escalation through mediators like Oman and Qatar.
Khan specifically addressed the sensitive issue of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, presenting different interpretations of previous agreements as current obstacles. He suggested that workable solutions for transportation and security in the Strait could enable diplomatic progress. He emphasized that no regional party, including Iran, Gulf states, or the United States, would benefit from prolonged hostilities, even though some factions thrive on regional instability.
He further warned that any escalation in conflict would spread beyond the Middle East, with detrimental impacts on global energy supply, trade, and economic stability. Khan stressed the importance of ongoing diplomacy for regional and global economic security.
Turning towards Pakistan’s western border, Khan differentiated between the Afghan population and the policies of the interim government, acknowledging long-standing relations and Pakistan’s role as a host for Afghan refugees. He expressed concerns about elements within the Afghan administration that collaborate with hostile groups endangering Pakistan’s security.
Since August 2021, Khan reported a significant increase in terrorist activities against Pakistan, resulting in over five thousand casualties. He highlighted that terrorist groups based in Afghanistan benefit from logistical support and advanced weaponry, while external forces exploit these networks to destabilize Pakistan’s economy and internal security.
Discussing security challenges in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khan emphasized Pakistan’s long-standing counter-terrorism efforts to eradicate terrorism and achieve lasting peace. He praised the steadfast commitment of Pakistan’s political and military leaders, assuring that protecting national sovereignty and regional integrity is a collective responsibility.
In conclusion, Khan reiterated the commitment to improve Pakistan’s internal security infrastructure as well as promote regional diplomacy, advocating that sustainable peace can be achieved through dialogue, strategic governance, and national solidarity against terrorism and external interventions.