By Amir Muhammad Khan
The recent peace talks in Islamabad have once again drawn the world’s attention to Pakistan’s diplomatic and peacemaking efforts in the region. Pakistan has once again presented itself as a country that can become a mediator and bridge of communication in complex global conflicts. But the question is whether these efforts are really moving towards a lasting peace or will they be limited to temporary diplomatic activities. The idea of getting its way under the shadow of America’s stubbornness and threats has made the talks frivolous. Be it any talks, on any issue, they are based on some twos and some fives. During the talks, threats and humiliation of the opponent lead the talks to frivolity.
Opinion leaders around the world are in a state of flux, and my previous column further reinforces that this state of flux is causing the global speculators, especially the alleged nominees, to increase their wealth. On the other hand, the rising and falling oil prices have severely damaged the world economy. The current effects on the economy will be detrimental to everyone, be they developing countries or wealthy countries, for years to come. The biggest problem in the current negotiations is that lack of trust remains the main obstacle. The parties are suspicious of each other’s positions, and political and security concerns at every step slow down the negotiations. The result is that talks are ongoing, but progress is limited. In the negotiating environment, Israel’s role is that of a party that uses war as a policy weapon.
Netanyahu’s politics have always revolved around internal pressure, security fears, and the narrative of military superiority. In the case of Iran, they also emphasize that pressure should not be reduced, because for them, softness means weakness. The very narrative of terrorism that Israel considers a success becomes a burden for the United States, and creates an opportunity for Iran to negotiate. This contradiction confuses this crisis. Iran’s internal and regional position is also complicated at the moment. On the one hand, its leadership maintains a tough stance; on the other hand, it knows that a full-scale war could be dangerous for it.
This dual policy gives it the opportunity to make the enemy realize that if its demands are not met, the price will increase. This price will not only be military, but may also fall on oil, trade, sea routes and political stability. Pakistan’s diplomatic status comes into play in a new context amidst all this. The Islamabad talks have sent a message that Pakistan is not just a silent spectator but has the ability to play a mediating role in the region. Although this role is limited and delicate, its effects can be extraordinary. If a partial agreement is reached here, Pakistan’s diplomatic credibility will increase; and if the negotiations fail, Pakistan will still be considered one of the main diplomatic centers of this crisis. In this sense, Islamabad has become not just a city, but a global symbol of this integrity of the region.
This situation is both a diplomatic opportunity and a test for Pakistan. On the one hand, Islamabad hosting the talks is giving it an important place in global diplomacy; on the other hand, if these negotiations do not reach any conclusion, there may also be an impression of disappointment. The world has already seen many such negotiations that began with noise but ended in silence. The real problem is that in today’s global politics, there are many peace speeches but weak practical decisions. From the war in Ukraine to the tensions in the Middle East, it is seen everywhere that power on the ground, economic advantage at the negotiating table, and assurances of border security – the first condition of the election – seem to be such that if the parties show flexibility in the Islamabad talks, the process can reach an initial agreement.
The real challenge for Pakistan is that it is not just a host but an effective facilitator. The trusted role belongs to the political leadership of Pakistan, but the most important and sincere and tireless role in peace efforts is that of our fearless Field Marshal Asim Munir. In conclusion, it can be said that the Islamabad peace talks are at a delicate but important juncture. Hope and fear are both going hand in hand. International organizations and personalities are recognizing Pakistan’s role in the Islamabad talks, while the hypocritical democracy and hypocritical diplomacy of the neighborhood have been dealt a blow, something the people of Pakistan are expressing happiness over and praying for the development of Pakistan.
(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)
