Iran-Israel conflict may spill into Pakistan: Masood Khan

Express Tribune

22-06-2025

Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and senior diplomat Sardar Masood Khan warned that the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel could have severe consequences for Pakistan's security, stability, and regional standing.
In a series of interviews, He said that a prolonged war could prompt an influx of Iranian refugees into Pakistan, comparable to the fallout of the Afghan conflict.
He cautioned that Pakistan's already stretched resources would come under further strain if hostilities in the Middle East persist.
If the war drags on, there is a strong possibility of a mass exodus of Iranian refugees towards Pakistan,' Khan said. 'Such a scenario would create economic, political, and social pressure.'
Khan also warned that instability on the western border could provide a gateway for infiltration by anti-state groups allegedly backed by hostile foreign powers, especially India.
He named outfits like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) as potential threats.
'A weakened border with Iran could be exploited by proxies seeking to destabilise Pakistan,' Khan stated.
Discussing Israel's strategic aims, Khan noted that Tel Aviv had already targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure at Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan, and other critical sites. According to Khan, Israel claims to have neutralised nearly 40% of Iran's air defence network.
He further alleged that Israel is pushing the United States either to intervene militarily or to grant approval for the limited use of tactical nuclear weapons.
'They're proposing subterranean nuclear strikes, which they argue would limit fallout,' Khan explained. 'But experts believe such thinking is dangerously naïve.'
On international reactions, Khan said that while Russia and China have voiced support for Iran, Tehran has not formally sought military assistance.
He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to mediate, a gesture welcomed by Iran but dismissed by Israel.
Khan also highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts, noting that the United States has allowed a 15-day window to decide its course.
'This has opened room for backchannel diplomacy,' he said. 'The British Foreign Secretary has been active in Washington, and even some of President Trump's advisors are calling for restraint.'
Despite diplomatic movements, Khan warned that US military deployments in Europe, the Middle East, and at Diego Garcia signal preparation for escalation.
'The world stands at a perilous crossroads,' he concluded. 'We must prepare for all outcomes, even as we hope diplomacy prevails.'
Meanwhile, Iran has condemned US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities as a grave breach of international law, warning of dangerous consequences and vowing to defend its sovereignty by all means.
Read more: Tehran vows self-defence with 'all force' after US strikes three nuclear installations
The strikes, carried out on June 21 and announced by US President Donald Trump, targeted Iran's main nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
Trump declared the mission a success and warned Tehran of further attacks if it retaliates or refuses peace.
The attack, launched in coordination with Israel amid its ongoing military attacks against Iran, marked a major escalation in regional tensions.
Trump, flanked by senior US officials, said the strikes aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear capability and prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He later claimed all US aircraft had exited Iranian airspace safely.
Iran denounced the strikes as criminal aggression and called on the United Nations and the IAEA to hold Washington accountable.
Iranian officials accused both the US and Israel of undermining diplomacy, and criticised Western nations for demanding Iran return to talks it says it never left.
Global reaction was mixed. Israel praised Trump's decision as historic, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a dangerous escalation that threatens global security.
The EU, UK, and several other nations urged de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. Countries including Venezuela, Cuba, and Qatar condemned the US action, warning of regional instability.