ISLAMABAD
Former ambassador to the United States, China and the United Nations, and former president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Masood Khan here on Saturday hailed Pakistan’s diplomatic breakthrough as a historic achievement, stating that the country has succeeded in persuading long-standing adversaries; the United States and Iran, to engage in direct, negotiations in Islamabad.
Khan emphasized that Pakistan’s role as a behind-the-scenes mediator has been pivotal in transforming an otherwise improbable scenario into reality. “Even before the war, such engagement was unthinkable. During and after the conflict, it became even more difficult. Yet Pakistan, through sustained diplomatic efforts, made it possible,” he remarked while speaking in a series of TV interviews following the arrival of negotiating teams.
He noted that Pakistan’s intervention was instrumental in securing even a temporary ceasefire and in creating the conditions necessary for both sides to agree to talks. Islamabad, he added, has now emerged as a trusted venue where complex and sensitive issues—ranging from regional security to maritime governance—can be addressed constructively.
Ambassador Khan cautioned that despite this progress, expectations should remain measured. “There is no immediate optimism. Both sides have a history of hostility and deep mistrust,” he said, adding that their agreement to come to Islamabad nonetheless reflects pragmatism and a willingness to explore common ground. He highlighted that both Washington and Tehran have presented extensive negotiating agendas, signaling seriousness about resolving disputes and moving toward a ceasefire framework.
He pointed out that several contentious issues remain on the table, including guarantees of non-aggression, a permanent ceasefire, sanctions relief, nuclear commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the governance of the Strait of Hormuz. He also identified the role of Israel as a critical external factor influencing the negotiations, describing it as “the elephant in the room.”
Ambassador Khan observed that war fatigue in the United States and the severe toll of conflict on Iran and the broader Gulf region have created incentives for dialogue. “The region is wounded, and there is a growing realization that continued conflict serves no one’s long-term interests,” he noted.
He further underscored Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach, including engagement with regional partners such as Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, as well as coordination with China through a joint framework that helped shape the roadmap for negotiations.
Khan stated that Pakistan has firmly established its credentials as a credible mediator on the global stage. While acknowledging the complexity of the negotiations ahead, he expressed cautious confidence that Islamabad’s facilitation could help bridge differences and guide the parties toward a workable and peaceful outcome.
