The Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA) organized a seminar titled ‘US Iran Relations and Israel’s Escalation in Lebanon’ at its library in Karachi on Saturday. The event featured prominent speakers including Ambassador Javid Husain, former Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, South Korea, and Iran, as well as former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO); Ambassador Qazi M. Khalilullah, Executive Director of the Centre for International Strategic Studies Sindh (CISSS) in Karachi and former Ambassador of Pakistan to the Russian Federation, Cuba, and Myanmar; and Asif Ali, a researcher at PIIA.
Key Points Raised by Speakers
The speakers highlighted that the news of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was positive for all countries worldwide except Israel. They congratulated the participants of the MoU and emphasized that Pakistan’s role as a mediator was a significant milestone. According to the speakers, the conflict that began on February 28 caught the world by surprise.
Pakistan’s Mediation Role
Ambassador Javid Husain noted that the Islamabad MoU represents a diplomatic breakthrough, with Pakistan acting as a crucial bridge between conflicting parties. He stressed that the agreement fosters regional stability and reduces tensions.
Ambassador Qazi M. Khalilullah added that the MoU underscores Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes. He remarked, “This is a testament to Pakistan’s effective diplomacy and its ability to facilitate dialogue even in complex geopolitical landscapes.”
Impact on Regional Dynamics
The seminar also analyzed the implications of US-Iran relations and Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. The speakers warned that continued escalation could destabilize the Middle East further. They called for international support for the Islamabad MoU to curb violence and promote diplomacy.
