Resetting Pak-Iran ties: The silver lining

Pakistan-Iran relations received an unexpected jolt recently when Iran aerially attacked Pakistani territory. Iran claimed that it was not an attack on Pakistan as such, but a strike on Iranian outlaws who were about to mount a surprise operation inside Iran. This shocking unilateral Iranian action betrayed a lack of mutual trust. Friendly countries invariably inform each other of unusual developments across the border. They do not jump into sudden kinetic action, violating the sovereignty of neighboring countries. 

Pakistan immediately recalled its envoy from Tehran and put all high-level visits on hold while its armed forces mounted a tit-for-tat attack on the Iranian border town of Sarawan. Dramatic as these events were, luckily the urge to repair these damaged ties was also equally robust. Within days, the envoys had returned to their respective posts and the Iranian foreign minister is already in Pakistan. However, both sides need to ponder deeply not only about the ways and means of avoiding such painful episodes in the future, but also of reconstructing their relationship on stronger foundations.

It is in their mutual interest to deal with all forms of militancy with an iron hand. Security agencies on both sides of the Pakistan-Iran border should exchange information on the hideouts and movements of proscribed outfits. Joint border patrols, discussed for a long time, should now be implemented. While there should be zero tolerance for all kinds of smuggling, genuine trade should be encouraged. This will not only boost government revenues on both sides but also dry some terror financing sources. Economic sanctions on Iran have been a hindrance to the growth of bilateral trade, but their impact can be reduced by the use of barter or various currency options.

Pull-quote: Dramatic as these events were, luckily the urge to repair these damaged ties was also equally robust. 

- Javed Hafeez

The Pak-Iran border is highly porous. Instead of passports and visas, cards are used at border crossings. There are only three immigration posts right now and ought to be increased. Cross-border movements should be documented through the compulsory use of passports and visas. This will obviate cross-border movements of undesirable elements and contribute toward the security of both countries, which should focus on the development of their respective parts of Balochistan in order to create jobs for unemployed youth. The local population should be empowered through devolution and more representation in national institutions and the bureaucracy.

There was a time, not long ago, when Iran and Pakistan both made concerted efforts to promote their soft image mutually. These activities should be resumed with greater vigour now. Trading ties create interdependence which promotes friendship and understanding. Road and railway links between Pakistan and Iran can be used to maximize bilateral trade which is much below its potential right now. The import of Iranian oil into Pakistan is hindered by sanctions on Iran. However, eight countries including China and India have been exempted. Pakistan should try to get a similar exemption.

The first of the six border markets, envisaged in a 2012 trade agreement, was inaugurated in May last year jointly by President Ibrahim Raisi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in May 2023. The mere fact that it took a decade to start implementing an agreement for this vital relationship is worrisome. 

“We will not let terrorism threaten our ties,” said the two foreign ministers in their joint statement after their meeting at Pakistan’s foreign ministry. This is a welcome statement as zero tolerance for militancy, on both sides, will help establish border markets, increase trade and create more job opportunities on both sides. The improvement of bilateral relations is in the national interest of both countries. In yet another positive development, President Raisi of Iran has accepted Pakistan’s invitation for a visit.

Peace with neighbors is a prerequisite for economic prosperity. That is why the two foreign ministers stressed the need to expand economic co-operation. Political warmth is often a by-product of solid economic ties. In the case of Iran and Pakistan, multifarious ties are possible as the two peoples have interacted for centuries. It augurs well that strong political will to take this relationship to a higher level is now apparent. Pak-Iran peace and co-operation will be an important building block for regional peace.

- Javed Hafeez is a former Pakistani diplomat with much experience of the Middle East. He writes weekly columns in Pakistani and Gulf newspapers and appears regularly on satellite TV channels as a defense and political analyst. Twitter: @JavedHafiz8