Pakistan and Iran: No boundaries for expanding cooperation
Written By: Sahil Hamkar
To promote that Pakistan and Iran are two brotherly neighbouring countries that share a great cultural and religious affinity that should be enhanced for mutual benefits.
Pakistan and Iran share deep historical, cultural, linguistic and religious ties. Their amicable relations date back to 1947, when Iran was the first country to recognize the newly established state of Pakistan. Both states signed a treaty of friendship in 1950.
Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran have been tested on several accounts, such as the civil war in Afghanistan, sectarian tension, sanctions on Iran and Iran’s ties with Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan has played the role of mediator in defusing tensions between arch-foes Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was in Pakistan on a three-day trip to discuss regional and bilateral relations days after Iran and Israel carried out attacks against each other, risking the Gaza war to expand into a regional conflict.
The two countries have a strong cultural and historical connection and massive potential for economic cooperation.
Pakistan is Iran’s eighth-largest trading partner. There is a huge potential for further boosting trade between Pakistan and Iran, which stood at US $392.08 million. Pakistani exports mainly comprise rice, meat, paper, paper board, chemicals, textiles, fruit, and vegetables, whereas major imports from Iran mainly comprise iron ore, hide and skins, and chemical products.
For the promotion of bilateral trade and enhanced cooperation between the two countries, the following measures have been taken in the recent past:-
The Islamic Republic of Iran, in line with the neighbourhood policy … is interested in promoting relations with Pakistan, and during this trip, various issues, including economic and commercial issues, energy and border issues, will be discussed with the government of Pakistan
The Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline, also known as the Peace Pipeline, is under construction and will deliver gas from Iran into Pakistan. The project was halted due to US sanctions on Iran. To broaden the economic ties between the two countries, the long-standing IP gas pipeline must be completed as a priority.
The Chinese factor is highly important in shaping the future of Pak-Iran relations. Therefore, it may be highlighted that the implementation of the CPEC will bring the two states closer:-
Due to their geostrategic location, Gwadar and Chahbhar ports have gained tremendous significance. China manages Gwadar port under CPEC, whereas India funds the development of Chabahar port under the tripartite Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Iran and Afghanistan. Both are located on the international energy trading route and provide connectivity to Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Therefore, Gwadar and Chabahar can be declared sister ports to increase the trade influx. However, Iran must ensure that the Chabahar Port is not used for military purposes.
CPEC will also facilitate the economic integration of the whole region and provide a more convenient route to export Iran’s vast oil and gas resources.
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