ISLAMABAD: Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and senior diplomat Sardar Masood Khan has cautioned that the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel could pose serious risks to Pakistan’s security, stability, and regional interests.
In recent interviews, Khan expressed concern that a prolonged war in the Middle East might trigger an influx of Iranian refugees into Pakistan, drawing parallels with the Afghan refugee crisis that followed decades of conflict.
“If the war drags on, there is a strong possibility of a mass exodus of Iranian refugees towards Pakistan,” Khan said. “This could create significant economic, political, and social challenges for the country.”
Khan warned that instability along Pakistan’s western border could open avenues for infiltration by anti-state elements allegedly backed by hostile forces. He pointed specifically to groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) as potential threats, stressing the need for heightened vigilance.
“A weakened border with Iran could be exploited by proxies seeking to destabilise Pakistan,” he noted.
Commenting on Israel’s military strategy, Khan said that Tel Aviv had targeted key Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan, and other locations. He cited Israeli claims of having neutralised nearly 40% of Iran’s air defence systems. Khan also alleged that Israel is urging the United States to either intervene directly or allow the limited use of tactical nuclear weapons in subterranean strikes — a move he described as dangerously misguided.
On the diplomatic front, Khan observed that while Russia and China have voiced support for Iran, Tehran has not formally requested military assistance. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to mediate — a proposal welcomed by Iran but rejected by Israel.
Khan pointed to ongoing diplomatic efforts, mentioning that the United States has given itself a 15-day window to decide its next steps, creating space for backchannel negotiations. The British Foreign Secretary, he said, has been active in Washington, while some advisors to President Trump are reportedly calling for restraint.
Despite these efforts, Khan highlighted the risk of further escalation, citing US military deployments across Europe, the Middle East, and at Diego Garcia.
“The world stands at a dangerous crossroads,” Khan said. “Pakistan must prepare for all eventualities, even as we hope diplomacy prevails.”
Meanwhile, Iran has condemned recent US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, describing them as a grave violation of international law and vowing to defend its sovereignty. The strikes, announced by President Donald Trump, targeted major nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 21, and were carried out in coordination with Israel.
Trump hailed the mission as a success, warning Iran against retaliation and asserting that the attacks aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran called on the United Nations and the IAEA to hold the US accountable, accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of undermining diplomatic efforts.
International responses have been mixed. Israel praised the strikes as a historic step, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the escalation threatened global security. The European Union, United Kingdom, and other nations urged restraint and a return to diplomacy. Countries including Venezuela, Cuba, and Qatar condemned the US action, warning of broader regional instability.
