Three developments over the past few days carry significant geostrategic and diplomatic implications for Pakistan. These developments must be understood in the context of the trajectory Pakistan has followed since the May 2025 conflict with India, as well as its mediation efforts between Iran and the United States in April 2026.

First, the South China Morning Post reported on 8 May 2026, while Pakistan was marking the first anniversary of its perceived victory in the conflict with India, that Chinese engineers were present in Pakistan during the India–Pakistan aerial engagement on the night of 6–7 May 2025. The report suggested that Chinese technical teams provided on-site support to the Pakistan Air Force during the conflict.

Second, a CBS News report alleged that Pakistan allowed Iran to station fighter aircraft at Pakistani airbases while the United States was conducting air strikes on Iranian facilities. If accurate, these claims could call into question Pakistan’s stated neutrality during its mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.

Third, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed in a televised interview that Pakistan was using fake social media accounts, posing as Americans, to undermine US–Israel relations and influence public opinion online. These allegations were subsequently reported by several media outlets, including ABP News and The Current.

Collectively, these developments force a diplomatic and strategic reset for Pakistan, which it has been avoiding by pursuing a policy of “maintaining a........

© The Friday Times