ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Former President Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and senior diplomat Sardar Masood Khan has stated that lifting of international economic sanctions on Iran would directly benefit Pakistan.
He emphasized that the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, which has long been stalled due to these sanctions, could finally move forward if restrictions on Iran are eased.
Speaking in interviews with various television networks regarding the post-Iran-Israel conflict scenario, Khan stressed that a sustainable truce between Iran and Israel is only possible if Israel halts its aggression against Palestinians, ensures a ceasefire in Gaza, and takes meaningful steps toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on a two-state solution.
He noted that Israel has recently proposed the formation of a coalition government in Gaza and that former U.S. President Donald Trump had also hinted at playing a role in facilitating a ceasefire in the region.
Iran-Israel tension
According to Sardar Masood Khan, a ceasefire in Gaza would remove one of the major sources of tension between Iran and Israel, paving the way for the lifting of decades-old international financial and economic sanctions on Iran.
Responding to a question about the potential normalization of relations between Arab countries and Israel, Khan acknowledged that several Arab and African Muslim nations—including the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco—have already recognized Israel.
Saudi Arabia, however, remains a notable exception. He stated that Saudi Arabia is willing to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, but only if its regional security is guaranteed and a clear timeframe is set for the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Khan further said that many Arab countries are demanding an end to what they describe as genocide in Gaza and insist that those responsible for war crimes and atrocities be held accountable. While Russia and China are powerful nations, Khan said, the United States continues to wield considerable influence in the Middle East.
Therefore, it is expected that the U.S. will play a responsible role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and in stopping the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza.
Addressing questions about the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) without India, Khan said such a move would be a significant step forward.
He acknowledged the challenges involved but stressed that it is not an impossible task. While India is geographically part of South Asia, its strained relationships with neighbouring countries—particularly Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives—have repeatedly hindered SAARC’s progress, he said.
Khan pointed out that whenever countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka have attempted to revitalize SAARC, India has stood as an obstacle.
Despite these challenges, he emphasized the long-standing desire among South Asian nations to enhance regional economic cooperation. He suggested that, similar to ASEAN or the European Union, South Asia could form a unified economic market and adopt a framework for mutual investment and development.
Though no concrete progress is seen at the moment, Khan asserted that it is important to take steps toward this goal for the region’s collective prosperity.
