Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and seasoned diplomat Sardar Masood Khan says that Pakistan’s relations with the United States are entering a promising phase. He cited Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent visit to Washington as evidence of this, mentioning the joint statement that praised Pakistan’s role in regional stability, including mediation with Iran and counterterrorism efforts.

Khan highlighted the significance of the visit following President Donald Trump’s meeting with Field Marshal General Asim Munir at the White House, where economic and trade cooperation were key discussion points. He stated that Pakistan’s successful defense against India’s alleged aggression in May had elevated the country’s international standing. He also mentioned the US role in de-escalating the situation and its offer to mediate on the Kashmir issue.

The former ambassador described Pakistan’s foreign policy as being in a positive trajectory, earning respect from both Washington and Beijing. He urged Pakistan to capitalize on this diplomatic momentum to enhance its global influence.

Speaking about India’s reaction to growing Pakistan-US ties, Khan acknowledged India’s scale but questioned its reliability. He mentioned India’s anxiety, evident in its media, whenever Pakistan’s relations with major powers improve. He emphasized that the renewal of counterterrorism cooperation with the US, including intelligence sharing, is nothing new and has nothing to do with India. He attributed India’s alleged global isolation to its own actions.

Khan argued that while India is ostensibly a strategic ally of the US, its clandestine engagement with China, Russia, and the Global South in pursuit of an alternative global system is concerning for the US and its partners. He said that the US is now giving equal weight to Pakistan and India, which is an acknowledgment of Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements.