rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR ( AJK) October 30, 2026 (APP): Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, China and the United Nations, Sardar Masood Khan, has said that the Ukraine war can only be brought to an end through sustained diplomatic efforts, credible security arrangements and a political settlement that addresses the legitimate concerns of all parties.
He was addressing the launching ceremony of Ukraine War: Beyond the Headlines, authored by Munir Ahmed, at the Russian Embassy in the federal capital city on Friday.
Congratulating the author on his work, Sardar Masood Khan said the repercussions of the Ukraine conflict extended far beyond Europe, affecting global politics, security and the economy. He appreciated the book’s comprehensive examination of the historical, political, security and economic dimensions of the war.
He said the book covered key issues, including NATO expansion, Russia’s security concerns, Ukraine’s domestic situation, the Donbas conflict, failed diplomatic initiatives, military assistance, economic sanctions, information warfare, food insecurity, global energy markets and post-war reconstruction. It also examined Russia-China relations, Asian security, the emerging multipolar world order and opportunities available to Pakistan amid changing international dynamics.
Sardar Masood Khan observed that the book highlighted Russia’s security concerns and strategic perspective, encouraging readers to examine aspects of the conflict that received comparatively less attention in international debates.
He stressed that understanding Moscow’s strategic outlook was essential for effective diplomacy. However, any lasting peace agreement must also safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and security while taking into account the concerns of other European countries.
Emphasising the human cost of the conflict, he said the suffering of Russian and Ukrainian families, displaced populations, wounded soldiers and children affected by the war deserved urgent attention and compassion. The protection of civilians, unimpeded humanitarian assistance, humane treatment of prisoners of war and the safety of nuclear facilities should remain shared priorities for all parties, he added.
The former ambassador called for a new strategic balance in Europe, stressing the need for credible security arrangements, restraint in military deployments and sustained communication among major powers.
He said the United States and Russia, as the world’s leading nuclear powers, had a particular responsibility to continue negotiations on strategic stability, arms control and risk reduction.
Referring to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Sardar Masood Khan said practical agreements remained possible despite deep political differences. Humanitarian arrangements, exchanges of prisoners of war, protection of critical facilities and the restoration of commercial maritime traffic could help build confidence and pave the way for broader negotiations.
He said the United Nations, Türkiye, China and other countries maintaining access to the parties could play an important role in these efforts.
He noted that disruptions to supplies of grain, fertilisers, energy and maritime transport were also affecting developing countries, including Pakistan. Ensuring stability in global markets and restoring reliable supply chains were therefore essential, he added.
Highlighting Pakistan-Russia relations, Sardar Masood Khan stressed the need to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering, technology, research and regional connectivity.
Improved maritime links and commercially viable trade corridors through Central Asia could bring the two economies closer, while educational and cultural exchanges would further strengthen bilateral ties.
He said the book provided an important opportunity for serious intellectual debate on the war, global security and the evolving international order.
Congratulating Munir Ahmed on the publication, he thanked the Russian Embassy for hosting the event and expressed hope that Pakistan and Russia would enter a new phase of enhanced cooperation and take their bilateral relations to new heights.
