Hafeez Ahmed Khan
On Monday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Pakistan for a three-day visit. The visit comes at a time when relations between Iran and Israel have been escalating. The Pakistani leadership has been keen to strengthen bilateral ties with Iran, and President Raisi’s visit is a positive step towards achieving this goal.
The visit started with a guard of honour ceremony at Nur Khan Airbase, where Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada received President Raisi. Later, the Prime Minister’s House hosted another guard of honour ceremony, where both countries’ national anthems were played. The leaders then attended the signing ceremony of memorandums of understanding for cooperation in various fields.
The two leaders discussed several issues, including regional challenges, trade, and communications. They emphasized the importance of resolving regional challenges through dialogue and strengthening mutual ties by collaborating in trade and communications. They also touched upon the stalled Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline issue, which has been a significant irritant in bilateral ties.
Both Pakistan and Iran are committed to fighting terrorism, and the leaders expressed their desire to enhance efforts and bilateral cooperation in this regard. They also discussed the need to review mutual security protocols to ensure that the border areas are not used by non-state actors to threaten either country’s security.
The visit is a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to navigating the complex regional politics and maintaining cordial ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran. Despite the tension between Iran and Israel, Pakistan has held its ground against pressure and informed the US that the scheduled visit had been arranged well in advance of the current tensions in the region.
The stalled Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline issue is a significant challenge that is standing in the way of better ties. While Pakistan has indicated its readiness to complete the much-delayed project, it is essential for the country to stand firm on its sovereign agreements. American officials’ threats of sanctions should not deter Pakistan from pursuing its national interests and honouring its commitments.
In recent weeks, Pakistan has expressed interest in initiating work on the long-delayed Iran gas pipeline project. The US has warned Pakistan that their decision could trigger sanctions. However, Pakistan has been keen to maintain good relations with Iran and is willing to take the risk.
President Raisi’s visit to Pakistan presents a promising opportunity for both countries to strengthen their bilateral ties. If handled with diplomacy and tact, this visit could pave the way for mutually beneficial agreements and a more stable regional environment.
President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan, set against the backdrop of intricate regional dynamics, holds immense significance. While Pakistan and Iran have a longstanding bilateral relationship, there is ample scope for further enhancement. The country finds itself in a delicate position, balancing its traditional ally Saudi Arabia and its neighbour Iran. In this context, visits by top officials from both countries, such as Raisi, carry substantial weight.
President Raisi’s visit coincides with escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, and an upcoming visit by Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman. This situation underscores the necessity for Pakistan to deftly navigate the complex regional politics, employing diplomacy to maintain amicable relations with both Riyadh and Tehran.
During Raisi’s three-day visit, several issues are likely to dominate discussions between Pakistani officials and Iranian delegates. The first is border security, which is of critical importance, as evidenced by the missile fire incident that occurred in January. Both countries traded missile fire after Iran fired into Pakistani territory, claiming to have hit anti-Iran militants. This incident triggered the need to review mutual security protocols to ensure that the border areas are not used by non-state actors to threaten either country’s security.
The second issue is trade, which has great potential, but the threat of foreign sanctions has dampened these prospects. However, expanding border markets and opting for barter trade can help overcome these obstacles.
The stalled Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline issue is also among the major irritants that are standing in the way of better ties. While Pakistan has indicated its readiness to complete the much-delayed project, it is essential for the country to stand firm on its sovereign agreements. American officials’ threats of sanctions should not deter Pakistan from pursuing its national interests and honouring its commitments.
Lastly, President Raisi’s visit to Pakistan presents a promising opportunity for both countries to strengthen their bilateral ties. This visit, if handled with diplomacy and tact, could pave the way for mutually beneficial agreements and a more stable regional environment. Pakistan’s commitment to navigating the complex regional politics and maintaining cordial ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran is a testament to its diplomatic prowess and its dedication to regional stability.
