Pakistan’s Mediation in West Asia Ceasefire ‘Significant Despite U.S. Backing’: Shashi Tharoor

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Thursday observed that while Pakistan may be acting on behalf of the United States in facilitating ceasefire efforts in West Asia, its role remains “significant,” particularly given Iran’s formal acknowledgment of Islamabad’s involvement.

In an interview with CNN-News18, Tharoor suggested that Pakistan may not be the primary initiator of the diplomatic process but could be serving as a conduit for Washington. “It may well be that Pakistan is not the initiator, but is being used by Washington as a fig leaf,” he remarked.

Tharoor referred to a recent social media misstep by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who inadvertently shared a ceasefire announcement on X bearing a visible “Draft” label. The incident, he noted, raised questions about the origin of the messaging. “The same phrases appeared in the Pakistani text, which suggests they may be acting at the behest of others to some degree,” he said.

Despite these observations, Tharoor underscored that Pakistan’s involvement carries weight, particularly as Iran has publicly recognized its role. “Even then, it is a particularly significant role, because the Iranians have acknowledged Pakistan,” he added, noting the sharp contrast with recent hostilities between the two nations. “Just a year ago, they were engaged in cross-border strikes. That makes this development noteworthy.”

Highlighting the factors underpinning Pakistan’s relevance, Tharoor pointed to its strategic and geopolitical positioning. He cited the reported rapport between Pakistan’s military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, and U.S. President Donald Trump as a potential operational advantage.

He further emphasized Pakistan’s geographic and demographic proximity to Iran, including a shared border of approximately 900 kilometres and a significant Shia population within Pakistan. “As a neighbour, Pakistan has ‘skin in the game,’ whether relations are consistently cordial or not,” Tharoor said, adding that this dynamic helps explain why both Tehran and Washington may find Islamabad a useful intermediary.

Concluding his remarks, Tharoor stressed that India’s primary interest lies in regional stability and peace, irrespective of who brokers the negotiations. “These are significant developments, and there is no reason for India to object. The ongoing conflict is impacting us directly,” he stated.

“Indians are undoubtedly feeling the effects of the crisis. From an economic and strategic standpoint, India’s core national interest lies firmly in favour of peace,” he added.