WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has underscored Islamabad’s pivotal role as a mediator in the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, framing the effort as a necessity for broader regional stability.
In a comprehensive interview with a prominent American broadcaster, Ambassador Sheikh revealed that Pakistan is actively facilitating a dialogue between the two adversaries. Expressing gratitude for the confidence both sides have placed in Islamabad, he noted that while the geopolitical and economic complexities are profound, Pakistan’s diplomatic intervention is rooted in a “long tradition of peace-based diplomacy” and bolstered by the support of other regional stakeholders.
“Diplomacy is a gradual process,” the Ambassador remarked, adding that while Pakistan is committed to providing the platform for fruitful engagement, the ultimate responsibility for a breakthrough lies with the primary parties involved.
Addressing the deteriorating security situation along the western frontier, the envoy issued a blunt assessment of the challenges emanating from Afghanistan. He clarified that Pakistan remains the primary victim of cross-border terrorism and has been compelled to take unilateral measures due to a persistent lack of “effective action” by the Afghan authorities against known militant sanctuaries.
Ambassador Sheikh further alleged that there is “substantiated evidence” of state-sponsored terrorism originating from Afghan soil, specifically accusing India of financing and orchestrating these activities to destabilise Pakistan. “Pakistan cannot allow its citizens to fall victim to terrorism,” he asserted, maintaining that while Islamabad prefers dialogue, it will not compromise on its internal security.
Reiterating Pakistan’s foreign policy stance, the Ambassador concluded that the country remains steadfast in its commitment to regional peace and will continue to leverage its diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation in the Middle East and South Asia.
