The official visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, which concluded on Wednesday, has been notable for its mutual expressions of goodwill and pledges to bolster bilateral relations, particularly in economic realms. Against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, including Iran’s conflicts with Israel and strained relations with Western states due to its role in the ‘axis of resistance’, the significance of this visit cannot be overstated. Moreover, following the regrettable exchange of missile strikes between Iran and Pakistan in January, the warmth displayed during President Raisi’s visit signals a positive shift in bilateral ties, with Pakistan extending a warm welcome to the Iranian leader. During his visit, Mr Raisi held meetings with the president, prime minister, and army chief in Islamabad, followed by engagements with provincial leaderships in Lahore and Karachi.
Trade emerged as a key focus of President Raisi’s agenda, with discussions also encompassing security matters. Expressing dissatisfaction with the current level of bilateral trade, Mr Raisi aimed to elevate annual trade to $10 billion. However, foreign sanctions and banking challenges pose significant hurdles to enhancing commercial ties. Expanding the number of border markets could mitigate these obstacles and foster socioeconomic development in border communities on both sides. In line with Pakistan’s aspirations to boost economic growth, efforts to enhance regional trade must complement endeavors to forge partnerships beyond South Asia. While restoring economic relations with India presents complexities, Pakistan should actively pursue stronger trade ties with neighboring countries like Iran and Afghanistan, facilitating access to markets in Central Asia and greater Eurasia. Addressing security concerns, both nations signed an agreement on security cooperation, underscoring the imperative of joint efforts to counter violent non-state actors along the shared border.
Regarding the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, while the issue was indirectly referenced in a Pakistani statement, no significant breakthrough was achieved. President Raisi dismissed concerns raised by certain quarters, emphasizing the importance of advancing bilateral relations. However, the United States reiterated warnings about potential sanctions for engaging with Iran. Pakistan must adopt a nuanced approach to this challenge, balancing its ties with the US while safeguarding its national interests. As Pakistan navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, it must assert its autonomy in making key economic and strategic decisions, independent of external pressures. Today’s stance on the Iran pipeline may set a precedent for future scenarios, where Pakistan may face similar dilemmas regarding its partnerships and alliances.
