Masood says war in Ukraine must end through diplomacy, sustainable peace
A book by Pakistani author and researcher Munir Ahmed, examining contemporary global developments, diplomacy and security challenges, was launched at a ceremony in Islamabad.
The event was attended by diplomats, parliamentarians, security experts, academics and students, who discussed the changing international order and its implications for Pakistan’s foreign policy and strategic priorities.
Speaking as the chief guest, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev said the world was witnessing the end of the Western-dominated international order and the emergence of a multipolar system.
“No one centre of power can now dictate to the rest of the world. Countries like Pakistan and Russia have a natural role in this new, more just and democratic world order,” he said.
Highlighting relations between Pakistan and Russia, the ambassador described Pakistan as an important partner for Moscow in South Asia and the Islamic world. He said political dialogue, trade and energy cooperation between the two countries were steadily expanding.
“We are building a relationship based on mutual respect and non-interference. The future lies in projects like energy corridors, agricultural cooperation, and educational exchanges between our universities. The youth of both countries must know each other better,” he added.
Mr Khorev also appreciated the author’s efforts, observing that books of this nature helped bridge the gap between governments and peoples. He said Mr Ahmed’s Pakistani perspective was valuable in helping Moscow understand regional and international developments.
In his introductory remarks, Mr Ahmed said the book sought to document recent years of global turbulence and examine their implications for Pakistan’s strategic choices. He said the changing geopolitical environment required a deeper understanding of international developments and their impact on the country’s foreign policy.
Delivering the keynote address, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed emphasised the importance of history, regional connectivity and Pakistan’s engagement with Eurasia.
“The centre of gravity has shifted from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Eurasia. Pakistan’s future is linked with connectivity and regionalism,” he said.
Former foreign secretary Ambassador Masood Khan highlighted the growing importance of economic diplomacy, while Lt Gen (retd) Asad Durrani discussed the realities of intelligence and statecraft. He observed that perceptions often influenced state policies more than facts.
Khan observed that the book presents a perspective reflecting Russia’s security concerns and challenges readers to examine explanations that often receive less attention in international discourse. He stressed that understanding Moscow’s strategic outlook was essential for informed diplomacy, while emphasising that any durable settlement must also ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security and take into account the concerns of other European states.
He said the human cost of the conflict must remain central to international deliberations. The suffering of Russian and Ukrainian families, displaced communities, wounded soldiers and children affected by the war demanded compassion and urgent action. Protection of civilians, humanitarian access, humane treatment of prisoners and the safety of nuclear facilities should remain common priorities.
Khan called for a new strategic balance in Europe based on credible security arrangements, restraint in military deployments and dependable communication between major powers. He underlined that the United States and Russia, as major nuclear powers, had a particular responsibility to sustain dialogue on strategic stability, arms control and risk reduction.
The ceremony concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants discussed the changing global landscape and Pakistan’s position in the emerging international order.
