Lahore: Pakistan must channel its increasing diplomatic influence and strategic partnerships into economic and technological advancement to shape its future in a multipolar world, Sardar Masood Khan stated at a seminar titled “Pakistan’s Role in the New World Order” at the University of Lahore.

According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, who has previously served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, China, and the United Nations, the global power distribution has shifted. The international system is no longer dominated by a single superpower, with countries like China, Russia, and a number of emerging middle powers altering the global political, economic, and security landscape.

Khan identified Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia as emerging middle powers, alongside Malaysia and Indonesia. He noted that economic influence is now more widely distributed, while technology has become a transformative power source, creating opportunities for nations to overcome traditional limitations. Khan also highlighted areas of geopolitical competition, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East, stressing that technological advancement will increasingly determine power distribution.

Khan warned against further escalation in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for multilateralism to prevent potential military confrontations involving Iran. He praised Pakistan’s political and military leadership for its diplomatic role during the US-Iran conflict and noted the expansion of diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Washington.

Khan outlined opportunities for Pakistan in sectors such as critical minerals, wind energy, agriculture, technology startups, and investment. He stressed the importance of expanding educational opportunities for Pakistani students in American universities, particularly in emerging technologies. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for Pakistan to maintain balanced relations with both China and the United States.

Discussing regional partnerships, Khan mentioned potential cooperation involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Indonesia to strengthen collective security and engagement with the Middle East and Europe. Concluding, Khan underscored Pakistan’s economic vulnerability as its principal challenge, calling for substantial investment in the national economy and technology to support the country’s diplomatic efforts and enhance its role in the emerging world order.