Pakistan’s diplomatic standing rises after US-Iran mediation: Masood Khan
Islamabad: Former Pakistan ambassador to the US, China and the UN, and ex-President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, has said Pakistan’s mediation between the United States and Iran has elevated the country to the front ranks of international diplomacy.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking in an international TV interview, he said Pakistan hosted the first face-to-face talks between Washington and Tehran, followed by sustained backchannel diplomacy that led to a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending hostilities and starting a structured political settlement. Khan said when differences emerged over implementation of a ceasefire, particularly on the Lebanese front, Pakistan worked with Qatar to facilitate emergency consultations and prevent the process from collapsing.
He called the next 60 days a “decisive phase” focused on a comprehensive nuclear agreement, sanctions relief for Iran, release of frozen assets, and other technical issues for regional stability. Highlighting leadership, Khan said close coordination between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was decisive. He noted US Vice President J.D. Vance’s acknowledgment of Field Marshal Munir’s role reflects Pakistan’s credible contribution. Khan said Pakistan has earned a reputation as a mediator for complex disputes—a role traditionally played by the UN or major powers. He added the trust shown by Washington and Tehran has opened new opportunities for regional peace initiatives, political partnerships and economic cooperation.
Masood Khan concluded that Pakistan should institutionalize its role as a regional peacemaker through sustained engagement in conflict resolution, connectivity, economic diplomacy and strategic dialogue.
