rki.news

Altaf Hamid Rao

MIRPUR (AJK): April 8 – The Kashmir Diaspora Coalition has lauded Pakistan’s central role in facilitating the recent ceasefire in the Middle East, describing it as a crucial step in reducing the risk of wider regional escalation.
Dr. Mubeen Shah, Istanbul-based leader of the coalition and former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said in a telephonic interview on Wednesday that while the temporary halt in hostilities reflects strategic maneuvering by both the United States and Iran, it must be approached with realism and careful analysis.
“The United States appears to have used the ceasefire as an exit from a costly confrontation influenced by battlefield developments and domestic political pressures. Iran, meanwhile, negotiated from a position of resilience,” Dr. Shah explained.
He drew parallels with the Pahalgam crisis, where a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan had created a brief diplomatic opening. “Such moments are valuable, but without institutionalization, they fade without producing tangible results,” he noted.
Dr. Shah emphasized that ceasefires alone do not resolve conflicts. “Openings must be sustained. International attention must continue beyond the immediate crisis,” he said. “The challenge is not creating the moment—it is preventing it from disappearing. Historically, Pakistan has sometimes struggled to capitalize on these opportunities.”
However, he praised Pakistan’s diplomatic record, noting its facilitation of major international agreements, including the 1971 US-China rapprochement and the Doha Agreement. “Pakistan’s current role in the Middle East demonstrates its continued relevance as a diplomatic facilitator,” he observed.
He also highlighted the importance of Pakistan leveraging such moments to strengthen its regional credibility and promote peaceful resolutions, both in South Asia and beyond, emphasizing that consistent leadership is essential.
Looking forward, Dr. Shah stated the true test lies in translating facilitation into sustained political processes that achieve lasting peace. “If Pakistan succeeds, this moment could serve as a model not only for the Middle East but also for South Asia,” he added.
Recalling the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, Dr. Shah noted that proposed neutral-venue talks were never institutionalized, showing that ceasefires create critical opportunities that require consistent follow-through to achieve meaningful outcomes.