Islamabad positioned as key venue for US–Iran talks: Masood Khan

MIRPUR (AJK) , (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point news - 21st Apr, 2026) Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President, Sardar Masood Khan on Tuesday said Pakistan was preparing to host a new round of talks between the United States and Iran, describing Islamabad as an emerging centre for efforts aimed at easing global tensions.

In a statement issued here, he said Pakistan had undertaken extensive diplomatic engagement to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran, despite ongoing tensions and mutual accusations of ceasefire violations.

He pointed to recent high-level contacts, including the visit of Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran for consultations with Iran’s political and military leadership, as well as outreach by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to regional capitals.

Khan said these efforts reflected a shift in Pakistan’s role from a reactive participant to an active mediator, adding that support from international figures, including European Council President, Antonio Costa, indicated growing confidence in Pakistan as a neutral facilitator.

He pointed out the current standoff as an example of “coercive diplomacy”, with Iran leveraging its position over the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States maintained naval pressure in the region.

Khan suggested that confidence-building measures, such as easing maritime restrictions and ensuring freedom of navigation, could help reduce tensions and create conditions for meaningful negotiations.

“The priority is not to assign blame but to end the war and prevent further escalation,” he said.

He said that the coming hours would be critical for global stability, adding that even a preliminary agreement reached in Islamabad could lay the groundwork for a broader settlement.

Pakistan’s leadership, he said, was working to bring both sides to the negotiating table, with the immediate aim of initiating talks, agreeing on basic principles, and extending the ceasefire.

The former AJK President also highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as vital to global trade and energy supplies.

“Any disruption affects energy markets, trade flows, and international security,” he said.

He added that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts were focused on achieving lasting peace, stabilizing the region, and protecting wider international interests.

APP/ahr/378