By Amir Muhammad Khan
Sometimes in world politics, there are scenes where diplomacy, peace, and negotiations are seemingly discussed, but another world operates in the background—a world where predictions are made about outcomes, and billions of dollars are at stake on those predictions. The ongoing Iran-US peace talks in Islamabad today reflect this dual reality. Reports suggest that big American capitalists are facilitating speculators with statements that change every morning and evening, earning millions of dollars—especially since Pakistan has been working day and night to save the world from destruction. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar are doing historic work, presenting Pakistan to the world as a strong, peace-loving country.
That is why international organizations, world figures, and people around the globe are shouting slogans of “Long live Pakistan”. At first glance, these talks are a serious diplomatic process, where representatives of Iran and the US are trying to reduce tensions, consolidate the ceasefire, and pave the way for a possible peace agreement. Pakistan is playing the role of mediator in this process—a positive development for its global image. However, the world’s speculators, who make millions by betting on every issue from cricket to wars, see uncertainty as a positive. The recent Iran-America-Israel disputes are a source of additional, large earnings for them.
The fact is that global financial markets and modern digital platforms view this whole process from a different angle. Thousands of people and investors are betting on online platforms called “prediction markets” on whether these negotiations will succeed or fail, whether the ceasefire will hold or break down, and whether the region will move towards further tension or peace. In this gambling game, big capitalists lurk behind the scenes while unknowns place bets up front. This is not traditional gambling in a room, but a modern financial game called “trading”. In reality, though, it is also a kind of betting—the only difference is that its style appears more civilized and digital, but it cannot be called ethical. Neither the governments of Iran, the United States, nor Pakistan are involved in this betting.
However, this question is vital: where is humanity and morality now? All these things have disappeared from the world. Therefore, any issue under discussion becomes part of the market. These ongoing talks in Islamabad, where there is hope for world peace on one hand, also expose the complex reality of the modern world, where diplomacy and economics intertwine. Decisions are not made only in closed rooms but are also influenced by digital markets, investors, and global trends. Peace efforts are sacred and necessary in their place, but the world must consider whether we have started to measure everything in terms of profit. If so, it is not just politics but a reflection of our collective priorities.
Pakistanis are proud that today Pakistan’s wise leadership has honestly brought warring countries to the table with its peaceful and impartial action to save the world from destruction, which the world calls commendable and has left India’s stoves cold. It fears that Pakistan can use its foreign policy and proximity to opinion leaders to achieve Kashmir’s freedom tomorrow. The world is currently going through a delicate and uncertain period, where crises reflect not only situations but also the weakness of the global system and leadership failures. From the Middle East to Europe, Asia, and Africa, every region suffers from tension, conflict, and instability in some form. The most important question is whether global leadership really wants peace or is pursuing its own evil interests in a power game.
The politics of great powers has become an open war of interests. Pakistan faces a massacre in Kashmir, for which international organizations are content with statements. Principles like human rights, international law, and justice have become limited to speeches. In practice, powerful countries mock their strategic international laws and abandon every principle for their interests. This is why conflicts intensify instead of decreasing. A recent example is the Gaza crisis, where thousands of innocent civilians, especially women and children, suffered a severe humanitarian tragedy. The ineffective and often silent policy of the international community has once again raised the question of whether human lives have any value to them. This situation is an open challenge to the global conscience.
Similarly, the Russia-Ukraine war has dealt a severe blow to Europe’s peace and stability. This war is not only changing the region’s geopolitics but also having profound effects on global energy, food, and economy. Millions have been displaced, while world powers are directly or indirectly involved. This war proves that power politics has brought the world closer to a Cold War-like environment. It is necessary for the world to boycott Israel and India, which harbor negative thinking, to create an environment of peace. Pakistan’s great friend, Mashallah, Saudi Arabia has become the center of efforts for stability and development in this tense global environment. The steps it has taken for economic reforms, diplomatic balance, and regional stability are noteworthy.
(The writer is a veteran journalist having 45 years of experience across print and broadcast media in Pakistan and the United States, can reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
