Peace efforts to bring huge benefits: Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Friday that Pakistan's efforts to end the war between the United States and Iran carried no risks for the country; rather, its benefits were immense, stressing that staying away from the conflict was not an option. In a TV interview, Asif said Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye were involved in efforts to stop the war and prevent further destruction in the region, adding that Islamabad was playing a "very pivotal role" in ending a conflict that involves a brotherly Muslim community. Asif described the situation as a historic opportunity for Pakistan. "We have to build on these opportunities that nature provides. I think staying away is not an option," he said, adding that there were not "a lot of huge risk factors" for Pakistan, and "I think the benefits are huge." The defence minister credited Pakistan's mediatory role to its "enhanced image" internationally and among Muslim countries after last year's military conflict with India. He said Pakistan is in a "unique phase" in its history, marked by strong trust and confidence. "Another side of this coin is our relations with the US and the direction they've taken," Asif told the interviewer, adding that Pakistan had never before achieved the kind of position it holds now in its diplomacy with Washington. He pointed out that Pakistan is in an active state of war with Afghanistan, while tensions with India remain "lukewarm." "I think history is in the making. Pakistan's leadership, and the hybrid system … is delivering. I think both Pindi and Islamabad have realised that Pakistan's respect is rooted in a joint leadership front," he said. Asked about the mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom's possible response to Iran, he said: "We could be subject to the situation, you are absolutely right. This is why the role of diplomacy is all the more important, so we don't let that situation arise and avoid it." Asked about reports of Pakistan hosting US-Iran talks, Asif declined to comment directly, saying it would be better for the process to unfold naturally. He also rebuked Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar for disparaging remarks about Pakistan. On operations in Afghanistan, he said Pakistan had succeeded in creating pressure but could not predict the long-term outcome. "The operation we started has not concluded, there was a lull due to Eid, and the world's attention is currently on a bigger conflict," he said. "We will not give them any respite; there is no doubt about it. We have to conclude this operation to attain maximum results," he added. The minister expressed hope that China's influence in Afghanistan would help resolve the crisis conclusively.