A roundtable regarding Pakistan-Iran relations

was organized by Institute of Policy (IPS)

Islamabad on September 19, 2017. It was
chaired by Pakistans former envoy to Iran,
Ambassador (R) Khalid Mehmood and was addressed
priorities and strategies for regional peace (e.g.
Afghanistan, Middle East, etc.) too have not always
been harmonious. This situation has garnered more
distances than the potential closeness between both
the countries.
exclusively by Irans ambassador to Pakistan H.E.
The region in which Pakistan and Iran are
Mehdi Honardoost.
situated, has been a battleground of regional and
Held according to Chatham House Rules, the global players for past few decades. The
roundtable was participated by a select group of dynamics related to such presence have further
scholars, analysts and experts. This brief is compiled contributed to rocky bilateral relations of both
by a team of IPS and draws mainly from the the countries. It could be inferred that where
deliberations of the said roundtable. these uneasy relations are a result of this conflict-
ridden region, they also play a role in worsening
The extent to which the historical, geographical,
the already existing frictions in the region.
cultural and most importantly the civilizational
linkages exist between Pakistan and Iran, is not Hence it would not be incorrect to say that the
always observed even among the different segments stable relations between Pakistan and Iran would
of the same state. The two states, despite their not only affect the two countries positively but
distinct sovereignty, form a nation that has more will also have an impact on the complex and
similarities than differences. Even as states, most volatile situation of the region.
interests are intertwined and both the states are also
The importance of improved relations between
linked with each other being important countries of
the two countries has increased considerably in
the Islamic World. It is thus imperative for both the
recent years as both have been under pressure
countries to have such sustainable bilateral relations
from global and regional powers. With
which would not only serve their mutual interests in
introduction of new tactics to aid the
economic and political arenas but also incorporate
psychological war in the prevailing situation of
cultural and civilizational dimensions.
extremism in the region as well as the activities
of non-state actors, the third-party players
Nevertheless, the nature of bilateral relations
having interest in volatility of situation find it
between the two countries has not remained ideal.
much easier to create and exploit situations that
There has been some increase in bilateral trade
serve their interests.
during past few years but it is still far behind its true
potential. There have also been incidences of harsh Speaking specifically, the nature of ties with
statements from both or either side in the backdrop America, Saudi Arabia and India have remained
of various incidents at border where smuggling, drug an important, and to a certain degree,
trafficking and movements of non-state actors have determining factor in bilateral relations of
remained a disturbing feature. Policies regarding Pakistan and Iran. While China, on the other

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 hand, appears to have emerged as a positive
factor in recent years. The tussle in Afghanistan,
terrorism and the war on terrorism, the situation
of Balochistan in Pakistan and consequently the
role of non-state actors there and the state
actions against them, as well as the Shia-Sunni
sectarian discord are some of the key areas
without acquiring harmony upon which it may
not be possible for Pakistan and Iran to foster
their bilateral relations on strong footings. It is
thus necessary for both the countries to further
their political, economic and cultural ties in the
given context.
United States being the major player globally as
well in the region has failed to show a genuine
interest in ensuring peace in the region and has
largely been concerned with its own benefits. The
nature of relationship with the US takes quite
different shapes when seen for Iran and Pakistan
distinctly. While Iran is known as a nation and a
state that has taken exception to US policies and
initiatives, Pakistans trajectory of relations with
US is a tale of love-hate on both sides.
Lately, there have been renewed connections
between Pakistan and Iran (following US
statements portraying Pakistan negatively)
whereas the level of mutual cooperation has also
improved with the high-level exchanges and
contacts between military and intelligence
agencies of both countries over the matters of
Afghanistan as well as on the regional scenario. A
continuity, rather amelioration of these contacts
is needed to sustain mutual ties and to establish
common positions on various issues.
The historically tense environment between Iran
and Saudi Arabia (including the rest of the Arab
world) is a sad reality. Although Pakistan has
always tried to maintain balanced relations with
both the countries, any friction in relations of Iran
and Saudi Arabia also affects relations of Pakistan
and Iran. Currently, Iran-Saudi Arabia strife has
been evidently reflecting in Syria, Yemen, Iraq,
Afghanistan and other areas. The situation has
not ceased even now. The global powers, to serve
their own interests, are also engaged in
amplifying the frictions. Though the atmosphere
of friction is still continued, there have been
some progress in improving contacts between
Iran and Saudi Arabia.
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Pakistan has an opportunity to take measures to
mitigate the strife between Iran and Saudi Arabia
while maintaining balanced relations with both of
them. As a matter of fact, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi
Arabia (along with Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia and
Sudan) are the most important countries of the
Muslim world. An amity and harmony among
these countries can play a vital role in resisting
the Anti-Muslim atmosphere and conspiracies at
the global level.
China will assume an even more important role in
international affairs in the coming days. While its
relations with Pakistan are seen as exemplary,
Iran-China relations have also been fostering off
late. The trigon of Pakistan, China and Iran can
bring extraordinary progress to the regions
peace, politics and economy. Apparently, this
does not seem unfathomable. In fact, the
significance and importance of such cooperation
is already realized by the three countries
especially in the context of CPEC. Undoubtedly,
progress for all is the progress for everyone.
India is an important country in the region. The
friction in its relations with Pakistan is well-
known. At the same time, the relations between
Iran and India have generally remained good.
Recently, however, India has hurt Irans interests
repeatedly for its own interests as well as to
foster its strategic relations with the U.S. It is
often noticed with a surprise in Pakistan that
despite Indias obvious priorities, Iran offers it
privileges that result in increasing the influence
of India (and consequently of America) in the
region and which also effect the balance of
relations between Pakistan and India.
There are signs of some change regarding
trajectory of relations with India in the Iranian
policy circles due to the hardliner Hindu
government in power and its generally hostile
behavior towards Muslims. Unless Iranian
influence on India leads to a change in the overall
Indian attitude, it would be regarded as an
assuring change for Pakistanis and they would
naturally like to see it maturing soon.
The closeness in Pakistani and Iranian policies
following the arrival of Soviet Union in
Afghanistan played an important role in its failure
in the region. The decade of 1990s, however, saw
Pakistan and Iran pursuing divergent objectives in
 Afghanistan. The distances formed at that time as
well as the perceptions of continued support for
distinct groups remain a major reason for lack of
mutual trust.
The realization for the need to play a supportive
and enabling role to help Afghanistan resolve its
problem is often seen in statements from
leadership of both the countries. Both countries
have however failed to evolve any coordinated or
mutually discussed measures. Both countries
also share the perception, obviously at social
levels at least, that global and regional powers
have developed such stakes in Afghanistan for
which instability provides more conducive
environment. It is encouraging to see in this
situation that there exists a trilateral dialogue
mechanism (involving Afghanistan, Pakistan and
Iran) and it only needs be made more impactful.
Another matter somewhat connected with
Afghanistan is of terrorism. An unfortunate fact is
that the ongoing war against terrorism
throughout the world is being waged without
even defining the term properly, which means
that it can always offer the room for
manipulation and interpretation on the basis of
vested interests or diverse objectives. This, in
practice, means that every country has
developed its own definitions and priorities
regarding terrorism. It should also be accepted
that there has been a lack of harmony between
Pakistan and Iran over this matter as well. Need
of the time now is to focus on this matter as well
during mutual interactions.
One form of terrorism is the violent activities of
sectarian organizations. There are certain
organizations in Pakistan whose activities and
narratives impact Pak-Iran relations negatively.
These narratives not only discuss local
perspectives but wider contexts as well, even
including complaints in reference to Iranian
Balochistan (Seistan). Apart from confronting
these organizations involved in hostile activities,
their narratives should also be brought into
attention.
The factors patronizing sectarian divide have also
involved some religious education institutions
(madaris) in the matter. The situation has played
a role in plaguing the minds of public, and then
eventually extending its effects to the
governments level. This need be addressed
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strategically and with all the factors in sight and
stakeholders onboard.
Pakistans Balochistan province has always had a
strategic significance due to its location, largely
untapped and abundant natural resources, a long
coastline, and of late especially because of CPEC.
Regional and extra-regional powers have been
conspiring to exploit the fault lines as well as
weak governance in this region. On the other
hand, criminal groups involved in drug trafficking,
and smuggling and trafficking of humans are also
active here, which have remained a source of
trouble for both states. This province borders
Iran and people have centuries-old relations with
the people residing across the border. The
concerns of Iran and Pakistan regarding Seistan
and Balochistan respectively ask for a closer and
more frequent interaction. Otherwise, the
external players might exploit the circumstances
to bring both states in clear resentment against
each other. Dialogue based on a comprehensive
strategy and necessary actions while keeping into
account all the factors are needed to remove any
misunderstandings and mistrust between the
two countries with regard to the situation in
Balochistan.
There have also been several misunderstandings
regarding Gwadar port in Balochistan and
Chabahar port in Iran. In view of Indias keen
interest in development of Chabahar and its
increasing anti-Pakistan role in Afghanistan, the
mistrust in Pakistan is not unwarranted. This is
despite the fact that Indias actual financial
allocation has been slow. Feeling these
sentiments, Iran has publicly denied any Anti-
Pakistan agenda pertaining to the Chabahar port.
It is also encouraging that the talks are being held
at different levels (including a joint Pak-Iran
parliamentary team) regarding cooperation
between the two ports whereas Iran has also
made several positive announcements pertaining
to CPEC.
A big hindrance in realizing the possibilities of
trade is the absence of any mutual banking
mechanism. Recently, there has been some
progress and final decisions and their practical
implementation should also be expected soon.
When it comes to bilateral economic relations,
the hindering of the project of Pak-Iran gas
pipeline reflects both a positive and negative
 sign. Vast resources of natural gas with Iran and a direct flight between Lahore and Tehran is a
the dire shortage of energy in Pakistan make this good progress in the context of bilateral trade
project extraordinarily important and potentially and establishing people-to-people connections
a win-win project for both the countries. Yet the between the two countries.
project is also a symbol of negative involvement
The academic cooperation and augmentation of
of a third entity between Pakistan and Iran. Iran
contacts between think tanks and higher
rightfully complains that it has done its part on
educational institutions is also mandatory to
the project but Pakistan has not reciprocated. As
establish deep rooted relations between the two
a matter of fact, this project was first sabotaged
countries. Realizing the challenges faced by
by India, and then Pakistan remained under
Muslims in the name of so-called clash of
pressure to abstain from doing its part in view of
civilizations, the opportunities for media and
sanctions imposed on Iran. One should expect
cultural cooperation should also be increased.
that serious efforts will be made in coming days
to sort this matter effectively. The recent start of

Prepared by IPS Task Force | For queries: Mairaj-ul-Hamid, Research Coordinator, IPS (mairaj@ips.net.pk) | www.ips.org.pk

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