Iran and Pakistan’s relation has been evolving with time. The
relationship between the two states deteriorated after the Iranian revolution,
the ties improved when the two countries signed the free Trade Agreement in
1999.
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Iran-Pakistan-in world map
Image Credit- wikimedia
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Both states have come together for the purpose of bringing in
Afghanistan and to overcome terrorism in the South Asian region.
Their bilateral relation holds great potential in terms of boosting
energy trade between the two, developing border security mechanism, and for
addressing the glaring problem of religious extremism in Pakistan.
It has been observed that the
religious extremism in Pakistan society and the perceived discrimination
against Shia has been one of the main bones of contention between the two
wherein a concerted effort and a joint plan is required by the two states to
address this issue.
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In 1985, the Economic Cooperation Organization was established by Iran,
Pakistan and turkey to promote economic, technical, and cultural cooperation
among the member states. ECO is the successor organization of Regional
Cooperation for Development which remained in existence since 1964 up to 1979.
In 1992; the organization was expanded to include seven new members,
namely: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
At present both countries are forming alliances and cooperating with
each other on mutual interests. The interests include the fight against
terrorism, illegal cross border movements, drug trade and the Baluchistan
insurgency.
Iran has also shown a great interest in the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) for economic and trade collaborations.
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CPEC and Baloch Insurgency
Pakistan’s economic resurgence seems to be extremely threatening. Trade
through the china Pakistan Economic Corridor has partially begun, further
upping the excitement surrounding the $50 billion mega project.
But what’s this for the impoverished province of Baluchistan? After all,
despite being home to Gwadar port, the crown jewel of CPEC, the province’s
share in the CPEC bounty is mere 0.5 %
What does CPEC do?
CPEC delivered the socio-economic opportunities in the suburb and urban
areas. The Global times reported that CPEC is aiming to provide 2,320,000 jobs
till 2018. Various estimates projected that the project aims to create
around 400,000-700,000 jobs during the period of 2015-2030. The project itself
is self-sufficient to elevate the standards of living of the working and
under-privilege segment of the society.
While in colonial times there were only developments for the better and
efficient transportation of the goods for the trade which were directly
benefitting the colonial empire rather than the social fabric.
The local labour was only used for exploitation during colonial times
whereas CPEC include vast profile of jobs for locals including professional,
technical, administrative and skilled based jobs.
Another fact which negates the idea that CPEC is a colonial instrument
is that the debt which is due on the Pakistani government is only USD 6 billion
including interest in soft loans and the rest is foreign direct investment and
grants.
Route of CPEC is more likely to be path to prosperity. The economic ties
of Pakistan with china will not only help Pakistan’s economy but also
Pakistan’s stature in the international community. It is not to be
misunderstood that development at the time of colonial powers was only for the
elites rather than the local community while in contrast to CPEC, it is giving
ease to the very lower division of the society.
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Security threat between Iran and Pakistan
Pakistan is facing problems in its security domain due to the
insurgencies by the Baloch separatist organizations alone the Iran-Pakistan
border.
Pakistani security officials view all these happenings as a deliberate
act of Indian intelligence to destabilize Baluchistan and deteriorate the
situation of law and order in the province. The geostrategic location of
Baluchistan has gained significance with the initiation of CPEC that aims at
Gwadar as the trade hub in region and to develop industries in Baluchistan.
Meanwhile India is trying to strengthen its lies with Iran and is
economically involves in the development of Chabahar port which is generally
seen as India’s strategy to counter china’s [influence in the region.
Recently India formally took over operations of the Chabahar port. Iran
needs India more than before, in the backdrop of the new round of American
sanctions. India could persuade the U.S to exempt Chabahar from these sanctions
as the port related to reconstruction assistance and economic development of
Afghanistan.
Why Pakistan-Iran relation is fell apart in past?
Pakistan and Iran tried to improve their collaboration till recently
with mutual visits and offers on cooperation in missile technology. Iran also
expressed interest for branching the gas pipeline has already built on
china-Pakistan economic corridor CPEC at Gwadar and to connect Chabahar to CPEC
too.
India and Iran relations
India and Iran have shared a long term historical and economic
relationship. Energy resources play a decisive role in the contemporary world
politics and are considered as the driving tools for economic growth and
development of the country. Iran’s vast energy resources and India’s growing
energy demand make the two states natural economic partners. Iran’s attracts
India for its large reserves of oil and gas. By forming a trust and interest
based economic relation with Iran, Pakistan can hope to form long-term
coalitional that are not undermines by the unpredictable history of Pakistan
and India.
Iran and Pakistan’s joint border reaction force
Iran and Pakistan have agreed to set up a joint border reaction force
following to counter the increasing number of deadly attacks by militant groups
on their frontier.
Border rapid reaction force would be set up for combating terrorism since
increased tensions over attacks on both sides of the frontier is causing having
causalities.
The Iran-Pakistan border skirts the volatile southeaster Iranian
province of sustain Baluchistan which has been the scene if frequent attacks on
Iran’s security forces. Iran-Pakistan relations have been strained in recent
months and both sides have been accusing each other of not doing enough to
stamp out militants allegedly sheltering across the border. Hence together with
increasing cooperation between border forces and intelligence agencies, both
nations have decided to form a joint quick reaction force in the border of the
countries for fighting terrorism.
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