Islamabad: Pakistan and the United States have the opportunity to transform their relationship into a comprehensive partnership extending beyond traditional security cooperation, Sardar Masood Khan, the Former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stated.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the upcoming meeting between Pakistani and US leadership during the United Nations General Assembly offers an important chance to review the evolving regional and international dynamics and strengthen bilateral ties. Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Washington and Tehran amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict has showcased its potential role in regional diplomacy and de-escalation efforts. The nation has consistently pursued diplomatic avenues to encourage negotiations.
Sardar Masood Khan highlighted the historical roots of the Pakistan-US relationship, referencing Pakistan’s facilitation of US-China rapprochement in 1971, collaboration during the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s, and joint anti-terrorism efforts post-9/11. He underlined that a relationship focused mainly on security imperatives can create political and institutional gaps when strategic priorities shift.
He suggested that the two countries could now develop a multifaceted relationship capable of sustaining cooperation beyond periods of immediate strategic convergence. Recent engagements have expanded into counterterrorism, economic cooperation, critical minerals, new technologies, agriculture, renewable energy, and other areas, though he noted that the implementation of agreed initiatives needed acceleration.
Khan emphasized Pakistan’s strategic importance, geographical location, and economic potential should encourage Washington to regard the country as a hub for trade, energy, transportation, and regional connectivity. Pakistan could integrate into diversified supply and value chains across Eurasia.
On regional security, he advocated for continued collaboration between Pakistan, the United States, and regional countries to promote de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to Middle Eastern conflicts. He stressed the necessity of addressing the Palestine issue through diplomatic channels.
Khan also expressed concerns about terrorism, noting it remains a significant issue for Pakistan despite the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan, due to militant groups operating from Afghan territory. He called for effective international cooperation to tackle this persistent threat.
He recalled that former US President Donald Trump had expressed willingness to assist India and Pakistan in resolving the Kashmir issue, asserting that Kashmir should receive sustained international diplomatic focus due to its implications for regional peace and stability.
In conclusion, Sardar Masood Khan stated that Pakistan and the United States have successfully cooperated during pivotal historical periods, and current circumstances provide an opportunity to elevate the relationship to a stronger, broader, and more sustainable level.