Could Pakistan’s Quiet Relationship with Iran Hurt India? 5 Geopolitical Effects You Need to Know
1. Deep roots of Iran-Pakistan relations
2. How Imran Khan strengthened ties
The election of Imran Khan as Pakistani PM gave way to even further development of ties with Iran, after a tense period. Pakistan‘s Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Iran for bilateral talks in April this year, where they discussed improving bilateral ties, border security, countering terrorism and regional issues. Furthermore PM Khan appeared to take Iran’s side on the recent Iran-US tensions, cautioning the United States about any misadventure against Iran. “My worry about Iran is…. I am not sure whether all the countries realise the gravity of the situation if there is a conflict with Iran,” Khan said in response to a question during his appearance at the US Institute of Peace, a think-tank funded by the US Congress. Khan’s improvement of relations has appeared to pay off, as relations have quietly warmed after tensions earlier this year.
3. Pakistan and Iran parliament agree on joint Kashmir strategy
In a sign that Imran Khan’s efforts to strengthen ties have paid off, the Pakistan and Iran Parliament Speakers have reportedly agreed to adopt a joint strategy on Kashmir cause. Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser on Saturday spoke over the phone with Iranian Counterpart Ali Larijani and took him into confidence over the deteriorating situation in the Indian occupied Kashmir. Ali Larijani said, Iran would not leave Kashmiris alone in their difficult time and seeks the resolution of Kashmir issue through dialogue between the two countries according to the United Nations resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people. This should come as a worry to India and their plans in Kahsmir, who may now realise the extent of improvement of Pakistani-Iranian relations.
4. Iran-Pakistan border co-operation
Another sign of improved relations between the two nations, is that Pakistan and Iran have decided to manage more than 900km common border some of the ‘appropriate’ measures included physical installations such as fencing. This was decided in a meeting held at the Foreign Office last month. Pakistan describes the border “as a border of peace and friendship”. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expedite opening new border crossing points with mutual understanding. The joint work will help maintain a stability in Iranian ties with Pakistan in an uncertain future.
5. Iran’s uncertainty about Kashmir
Despite Iran’s apparent lean towards Pakistan on the Kashmir situation, the nation have publicly portrayed a rather neutral tone to the situation. Iran’s armed forces chief of staff on Saturday cautioned Pakistan and India to avoid any “hasty decision” in Kashmir without considering the wishes of the region’s people, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. “The parties are expected to refrain from any hasty decision on the fate of the (Kashmir) region, without regards to the people’s will,” Major General Mohammad Baqeri was quoted by Fars as telling Pakistan’s army chief by telephone. This sounds like a mediating statement, but only actions will tell whether Iran’s strengthening relationship with Pakistan will show its fruits in Kashmir. Nevertheless, India will be watching closely and could face severe consequences if things do not go their way.
