rki.news
By Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), April 14: Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and ex-ambassador to the United States, China, and the United Nations, Sardar Masood Khan, has said that Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative continues to play a key role in sustaining fragile peace efforts, as a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran holds despite rising tensions following the reported naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to the media in the federal capital on Tuesday, Masood Khan said the evolving situation represents a critical juncture in efforts to prevent wider regional escalation. He noted that although the blockade has increased geopolitical risks, the continuation of the ceasefire indicates that diplomatic channels remain active.
He said negotiations, though currently paused, have not collapsed and could resume, possibly once again in Islamabad, reflecting confidence in Pakistan’s role as a credible mediator in regional diplomacy.
The former diplomat stated that recent rounds of talks were held in a constructive environment, with both sides showing some flexibility on key issues, including nuclear-related arrangements. However, he acknowledged that important sticking points remain unresolved, particularly regarding access to enriched uranium stockpiles, verification mechanisms, and broader regional security concerns involving maritime routes and Lebanon.
Despite these challenges, he said statements from both Washington and Tehran have remained cautiously positive, suggesting that a potential understanding is still within reach. He also described emerging proposals, including the possible transfer of enriched uranium to Russia, as a “ray of hope,” provided consensus is achieved among all parties.
Masood Khan warned that the Strait of Hormuz blockade has introduced serious global economic and strategic risks, given its importance as a key oil transit route. Any disruption, he cautioned, could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and may escalate tensions involving multiple international stakeholders.
He stressed that Pakistan continues active diplomatic outreach with regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt, as well as other global actors, to maintain dialogue and prevent miscalculation.
Warning that even a minor exchange of fire could collapse the ceasefire, he emphasized the fragile nature of the current situation and urged restraint from all sides.
He concluded that Pakistan’s mediation framework remains active, offering a vital platform for continued engagement, while the coming days will be decisive in determining whether diplomacy succeeds or tensions further escalate.