MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Pakistan’s former Ambassador to the United States, China, and the United Nations, Sardar Masood Khan, has described Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent meeting with US President Donald Trump as a new “strategic moment” in the trajectory of Pakistan–US relations.
Commenting on the important meeting, Ambassador Khan highlighted that while optics of the meeting were encouraging, the substance lay in the new frameworks of cooperation on peace, security, and economic transformation.
He underlined that Pakistan has been assigned a central role in regional peace efforts, particularly in the Middle East.
“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s unity has been pivotal in persuading President Trump and his team to avoid escalation in Gaza and to work instead toward a sustainable solution for Palestine.
The roadmap presented by US Special Representative Steve Witkoff is evidence that our diplomacy is being recognized,” he said.
On bilateral matters, Ambassador Khan noted that the meeting produced significant economic breakthroughs.
US reduced tariffs on Pakistani exports
The US reduced tariffs on Pakistani exports to the lowest in the region, unlocking major opportunities in Pakistan’s largest trading market.
Agreements were advanced on critical minerals, renewable energy, cryptocurrency, and oil exploration. “This is good news for Pakistan’s economy. The challenge is how we, as a nation, can translate these opportunities into tangible growth and jobs,” he added.
Ambassador Khan emphasized the revival of intelligence-to-intelligence cooperation, recalling Pakistan’s past collaboration with US agencies during the fight against terrorism.
He said the renewed focus will address threats emanating from Afghanistan, Daesh, and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while also spotlighting India’s extensive terror networks in the region.
