Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) president and Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, Sardar Masood Khan, warned of Palestine’s potential demise, citing Israeli settlement expansion and plans to displace Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, along with efforts to exclude Hamas from any future government. He expressed concern over a proposed UN General Assembly resolution to exclude Hamas from any future Gaza government, leaving Palestine vulnerable. He also cited current and planned Israeli settlements as a step toward Palestine’s elimination.
Khan commended Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, highlighting US Senator Marco Rubio’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s role amid Iran-Israel tensions. He lauded Pakistan’s judicious approach, as conveyed through diplomatic channels.
Regarding the attack on Qatar, he questioned the US’s alleged lack of foreknowledge despite close intelligence sharing with Israel. He termed the attack a wake-up call for the Muslim world, particularly Arab countries, signifying a shift in the regional landscape.
Khan stated that Gulf countries are contemplating collective defense mechanisms, potentially looking towards Russia and China as US influence complicates their plans. He observed that despite heavy military spending and US arms deals, these countries are vulnerable compared to Israel, raising questions about the region’s future security architecture.
He mentioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s UN General Assembly visit and a possible meeting with former US President Donald Trump, anticipating an agenda similar to the June 18 meeting between Trump and Army Chief General Asim Munir, facilitated by Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio. He believed this interaction would yield positive outcomes for Pakistan. He also refuted the Israeli Prime Minister’s comparison of the Qatar attack to the US operation against Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.
Khan emphasized the significance of Sharif’s visit to Qatar after the attack, highlighting strong bilateral ties and Qatar’s crucial regional role. Discussing Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, Khan identified cross-border terrorism as the primary challenge, citing heavy casualties. He pointed to the alleged use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by these militant groups, purportedly with Indian support, despite assurances from Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah.