Foreign Policy

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Pakistan - Iran Relations

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The CPGS is an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit think tank with a vision to
innovate future prospects for peace and security through intellectual discourse, and contribute
to sustainable social, political and economic development.

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Published June 2014

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Foreign Policy Roundtable Series

Pakistan-Iran Relations:
Challenges and Prospects
Roundtable Report VII

Introduction
The Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS) is a non-partisan think tank established with a vision to
Innovate future prospects for peace and security in the region and beyond through intellectual discourse
and contribute to sustainable social, political and economic development. To this end , the CPGS has
organized this roundtable discussion under the initiative the Centre has embarked upon, i.e., 'CPGS Foreign
Policy Roundtable Series' , with an aim to review the foreign policy of Pakistan towards its partner states
and the major powers of the world. 'Pakistan-Iran Relations: Challenges & Prospects' is the seventh
roundtable of the series; the first was on 'Pakistan-U.S. Relations: Convergences and Divergences' held in
November last year, the second was on 'Pakistan-Russia Relations: Prospects and Challenges', held in
December 2013, the third was on 'Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations-U.S. Drawdown and its Implications for
Pakistan', held in January 2014, the fourth was on 'Pakistan-China Relations: Prospects and Challenges',
held in February 2014, the fifth was on 'Pakistan-EU Relations: Convergence and Divergence', also held in
February 2014. The sixth was on Pakistan-India Relations: Challenges and Prospects, held in March 2014.

Background
Pakistan borders with Iran at its western flank and the two countries' relationship is characterized by
common historical, linguistic, literary, cultural affinities and trade linkages. Both the neighbouring lands
are not only bound together because of their geographical proximity, but the deeper basis of relationship is
provided by the shared values and their common belief in the religion of Islam. The commonality was
further calcified with the emergence of Pakistan as an independent state following the partition of the
Subcontinent in 1947. Iran was the first country to extend official recognition to the new State and Pakistan
was the first country that recognized the Islamic Revolution of Iran in 1979. Since then, Iran has continued
to give full, unconditional moral and material support to Pakistan in its hours of need; which has been
reciprocated by Pakistan as well.
Historically, the people in Persia and the Indus Valley have been bound together since time immemorial.
The contemporary States of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran share a 909km-long border. Both the countries have supported each other, economically, militarily and politically in
good and bad time. As time passed, Pakistan-Iran relations progressed well in the 1950s and 1960s, but
watershed changes; first the success of the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, followed by the Soviet
Occupation of Afghanistan; put a strain on the bilateral relationship.
Broadly, Pakistan-Iran relations can be categorised into two eras, i.e., pre and post 1979. In the pre-1979
phase, both the States maintained a pro-U.S. policy and were allies in the Central Treaty Organisation
(CENTO). Together with Turkey, they also constituted the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD)
organisation. In the post-1979 phase, Iran's new regime changed its foreign policy and adopted an anti-U.S.
stance, but Pakistan tried to maintain good relation with both the USA and Iran. The 1990s was a rough
patch in the bilateral relations as the rise of Taliban which, in spite of our two countries' common goal of
promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, pitted Pakistan and Iran on opposite sides. In the mid-1990's,
Pakistan supported the Taliban in Afghanistan's, consisted on majority Pashton elements, whereas the
Northern alliance comprising majority non-Pashton population of Afghanistan was supported by Iran.
The situation was further aggravated because, apart from Iran, India and Russia supporting the Northern
Alliance. These soured relations worsened with sectarian violence by the Taliban phenomenon. These
years saw a spike in sectarian violence that plunged the Iran-Pakistan relationship to its lowest point ever.
However, the present situation differs in some way from the mid 1990's. The 9/11 terrorist attacks in the
United States and the subsequent US led coalition in Afghanistan changed the priorities of the both
countries. Whereas Pakistan extended its support to the U.S. and ISAF forces in Afghanistan, Iran remained
neutral.
Presently, Iran seems to have gained more importance in the geopolitical and strategic priorities of the U.S.
and Western powers than earlier. This is evident in that a few years ago, the U.S. was ready to bomb nuclear
sites in Iran, and today it is engaging the country. Other Western countries and major Asian countries are
also keen to promote their relations with Iran. But, ironically, Pakistan and Iran's relations have not been as
conducive as they should have been.
Beyond the geopolitical to-and-fro and great games, both countries share some other issues such as, the
use of Iranian and Pakistani territory for illicit drug trade, human trafficking, weapon smuggling and
militancy. Moreover, both the countries have porous borders with Afghanistan which makes it difficult to
have effective control over the borders.

The recent visit of prime minister of Pakistan to Iran in May, one that took place after a sixteen-year gap,
was a timely step to reinvigorate this relationship. Similarly, despite the easing of international pressure on
Iran after the opening between the presidents of Iran and America, mega projects like the Iran-Pakistan gas
pipeline, the Taftan-Quetta power transmission line, Noushki-Dalbandin sector of the Quetta-Taftan
National Highway, up-gradation of Quetta-Taftan Railway Line and increased import of electricity from Iran
are moving rather slowly. During the prime minister's visit, the signing of eight MoU's on strengthening of
Pakistan-Iran cooperation in various field was a welcome development.
Iran's and Pakistan's concerns and interests are deeply interlinked in the new regional and international
climate. New problems as well as new opportunities have been created for both the countries, impacting
their bilateral and multilateral relations. It now depends on both the countries to find out ways for
betterment and prosperity of the two sides as well as for Afghanistan in the regional framework.

Participants
The discussion was attended by renowned scholars, practitioners and members of the CPGS Team. The complete list
of participants is as follows:

Chair

Lt. Gen (retd.) Syed Muhmamd Owais, H.I. (M.)

Speakers

Ambassador (retd.) Khalid Mahmood

Dr. Nazir Hussain

Participants

Ambassador (retd.) Arif Kamal

Ambassador (retd.) Munawar Saeed BAhtti
Brig (retd.) Kamal Aziz
Dr. Muhammad Khan
Dr. Syed Qandil Abbas
Mr. Tahir Sher Mohammad
Mr. Nasir Hafeez
Mr. Fawad Haider
Mr. Khurram Abbas
Ms. Ayesha Durrani
Ms. Sannia Abdullah
Mr. Muhammad Adil
Mr. Ghulam Mustafa
Mr. Zulfiqar Ali
Mr. Usman Shaukat
Mr. Ghani Jafar
Mr. Saqib Mehmood
Ms. Adeela Bahar Khan
Mr. Ikram Ullah Khan
Ms. Ifrah Waqar
Mr. M. Suleman Shahid
Mr. Asad Ullah Khan
Mr. M. Rizwan
Maj (retd.) Farrukh James
Mr. Almas Haider Naqvi

*Various Research Scholars, HEC Scholars, M.Phil and PhD Students also attended the event.

History, Geography and Culture

Among the many people and races who have come in contact with Indians and influenced India's life and culture, the
oldest and most persistent have been the Iranians.
The late Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru writes in his book Discovery of India.

The cultural connections, trade, and ideological affinity between the Indus valley and Persian land can be
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traced back to the 3 millennium BCE. In various archaeological studies, archaeologists have found that
around that time, different kind of artefacts were imported in Iran from Baluchistan. There were
established trade networks through roads, such as Shahra-i-Sokhta, originating deep from the Indus Valley
villages, towns and cities to remote Iranian provinces.
In the mid-second millennium, Aryans (Indo-Aryans) settled in India and Persia. They were the people who
came from Central Asia. They had many similarities with the ancient Persians in religion, culture, language,
beliefs and customs.
The Achaemenid Empire in Persia brought the northern parts of India under its rule, which was overthrown
by Alexander in 330 B.C. Around that period; Buddhism entered Iran from its eastern frontiers and spread
in Khorasan and Central Asia; and eventually Taxila (a historic city now located around 30 kms. from
Pakistan's capital, Islamabad) became the biggest centre of Buddhism, as well as the centre for Gandhara
arts. According to various archaeological and historical studies, the Indian civilization had deep imprints on
Iranian culture, literature, and medical science in the period of King Khosru-1 (531-579 A.D.).
In the Middle Age, when Mughals established the Muslim empire in India 1526, a large number of welleducated and cultured Iranians accompanied them. These people, by virtue of high positions they held in
administrative matters of Mughal courts throughout the Mughal rule in India, cast deep imprints of Indian
history, culture, literature, and art on the people of the Subcontinent.
Every romantic envisions a historic past with cultural exchanges from the genius of Omar Khayyam to the
tenets of justice expounded from Allama Iqbal. Urdu and Persian literature can also boast the ghazals of
14th century Sufi poet Amir Khusro as a common gem, a crossover between two languages and peoples,
constantly shaping each other through the tide of history.
For a broader and deep understanding of the bonds which are tying together Pakistan and Iran in
diplomatic, political, security and cultural domains; the narrative of Pakistan-Iran relations are divided
in three phases: 1947-1979, 1979-2000 and post-9/11.

1947-1979: An Era of Harmony

After emergence as an independent State on August 14, 1947, the deep-rooted historic bonds became
even more significant when Iran established its diplomatic relations with Pakistan in May 1948, and
Pakistan's Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan visited Iran in May 1949. The Shah of Iran was the first head of
State to pay an official visit to Pakistan in March 1950, and the same month; a Treaty of Friendship was
signed between the two sides.
India, meanwhile, lost its centuries-long geographical connectivity with Iran when Pakistan emerged as a
sovereign State, thereby separating India from Iran. It can safely be said that Pakistan surfaced not only

geographically between Iran and India, but also became one of the major determining factors in Iran-India
relations.
Around 1948, a border dispute emerged which was the first road bump in these nations' relationship.
However, Iran and Pakistan dealt with the issue delicately and cooperatively. In August 1960, the two
countries came up with a formal accord through the Pakistan-Iran Boundary Award.
In the 1960s, Pakistan and Iran worked together in strengthening regional links. In 1964, Turkey joined
Pakistan and Iran in forming the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), to further economic and
cultural collaboration by connecting the three countries with more roads, railways and flights.
The ties were further strengthened by both the countries' gaining membership in the Organization of the
Islamic Conference (OIC) comprising 57 Muslim States and Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO)
formed by six Central Asian States, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey for promoting trade and
cooperation for sustainability of socio-economic development.
The ECO has replaced the RCD. The two countries also coordinate their policies in the frameworks of the
Organizations of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the United Nations (UN) and the Non-Aligned Movement
(NAM)

The 1980's and 1990's: Diverging Geopolitical and Ideological Interest

Pakistan-Iran relations have been influenced by regional and global changing alliances. During the Cold
War, their relations were strongly influenced by superpower rivalry. American hostility towards Iran since
the 1979 Islamic Revolution continued, while its ties with Pakistan as a strategic partner declined after
Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. Neither Pakistan nor Iran had stood to gain from this Soviet
southward expansion through its Occupation of Afghanistan.
So, they had worked together to support the Afghan fighters (Mujahedeen, as they were then called)
against the Soviets. However, Pakistan's anti-USSR efforts were heavily supported by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
and the U.S., which did not sit well with Iran. Subsequently, the Soviet military withdrawal from
Afghanistan emerged as a bone of contention between Iran and Pakistan over their respective influence in
Afghanistan.
The 1990's was an unequal patch in the bilateral relations due to some competing and diverging
geopolitical and ideological interests. The Taliban government in most parts of Afghanistan was
established which further deteriorated the relations between Iran and Pakistan and a climate of mistrust
emerged. Though a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was in both countries' interest, Pakistan now started
supporting the Pashtun groups of the Mujahedeen, whereas Iran extended its help to the Northern
Alliance comprising other ethnic groups that held its sway over north-eastern Afghanistan.
Later, Taliban exercised control over most of Afghanistan, except for the small area held by the Northern
Alliance. Pakistan supported the Taliban government in Afghanistan which further worsened relations with
Iran because Tehran was not comfortable with the radical Sunni Taliban regime. Due to this unease, Iran felt
insecure and perceived it a serious threat to its national security. Thus, in retaliation, Iran adopted a
proactive policy towards Afghanistan. It started supporting the Shiite parties and the Northern Alliance. To
counter the Taliban regime in Kabul, Iran became close to Russia, India and the Central Asian countries.

9/11, U.S., Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran

Subsequent to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States and NATO forces invaded Afghanistan, both
Pakistan and Iran extended their support to the campaign. The Taliban had been a source of sectarian
violence and a major source of tension in the Iran-Pakistan relationship. The NATO offensive in Afghanistan
brought Pakistan and Iran close to a single agenda: the elimination of the Taliban regime. In fact, in 2001,
the two States also created the Pakistan-Iran Joint Ministerial Commission on Security to further
cooperation and collaboration against terrorism, drug and human trafficking, arms smuggling and
sectarian violence.
The Pakistan-Iran-Afghanistan summit-level tripartite meeting framework provides a useful forum for
coordinating the positions and efforts of the three countries in eliminating terrorism and to promote
political and economic cooperation in the region. However, the bane of militancy, terrorism, sectarian
violence and drug and human trafficking, regrettably, continue to stalk the region.
Pakistan has never been party to any U.S. designs against Iran and withstood considerable American
pressure in this regard; first, during the Iraq-Iran war, and then, prior to the U.S. invasion of Kuwait in 1991.
Interestingly, Iran and the U.S. are now cooperating in Iraq. Iran severely pursues its national security
interests. Our bonhomie with the U.S. starkly contrasted with the running bitter antagonistic Iran-U.S.
relations. The imposition of the UN and U.S.-European Union sanctions against Iran, particularly those
targeting Iranian banks and its energy sector, has aggravated the situation.
Three states have had a deep impact on Pakistan-Iran relations. These are the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
India and the U.S. Pakistan cannot afford to let up its efforts to promote sectarian harmony and confront
the scourge of terrorism.
Pakistan and Iran are facing some major problems:
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Terrorism and presence of anti-Iran militants in Pakistan.

Iranian inclination towards India.

Saudi Arabia Influence in Pakistan.

Shia-Sunni conflict in Pakistan

Divergent interests of Pakistan and Iran in Afghanistan.

Frequent cross border firing from Iranian forces inside Pakistan territory.

Due to American pressure both sides have made very low progress on IP gas pipeline and other
initiatives.

There is very little bilateral trade.

There is no direct and frequent flights between Islamabad and Tehran, and vice versa.

There is practically no people-to-people contact between Pakistan and Iran.

Economic and Trade Relations

Pakistan's trade relations with Iran are very old. Both the neighbouring countries had been trading with
each other on the basis of barter. Although the economic ties between Pakistan and Iran date back to
centuries, the progress achieved in this respect remains marginal because of different political and
economic reasons.
Both the countries have the potential to cater to the demands of each other and trade in the products
which are being imported by them from the rest of the world. Pakistan and Iran trade relations are based
on diverse axes such as energy, infrastructural cooperation, financial assistance and commercial
exchanges.
Pakistan and Iran signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in Islamabad on March 4, 2004. Under the
PTA, both the countries agreed to reduce customs duty on 647 tradable items. Pakistan will give duty
concession on 338 items to Iran. In return, Tehran will give duty concession on 309 items to Islamabad.
Officials have said that the agreement would be finally converted into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The
purpose of the agreement is to strengthen economic and political relations between the two countries and
to promote a more secure environment for sustainable growth of trade and expand mutual trade by
exploring new areas of cooperation.
The quantum of trade between Pakistan and Iran is very low. Iran exported US$ 265 million to Pakistan,
whereas Iran imported US$ 92 million from Pakistan during the financial year 2003-2004. Pakistan is the
fifth largest economic and trade partner of Iran and annual trade was $1 billion (1.4 billion) in 2009.
The changing regional and global environments of security and economic would have both implicit and
explicit impact on Iran and Pakistan. The policy adopted by the U.S. against Iran was that of trying to isolate
Tehran. The opportunities to enhance economic cooperation with Iran were missed when sanctions were
imposed on it. But, the recent visit of the prime minister to Iran has reinvigorated economic relations. Both
the leader reiterated the commitment to enhance the bilateral trade volume between the two countries.
There is lot of scope of increasing the trade volume and both can enhance trade to the new level of US $5
billion. In addition to this, both Iran and Pakistan now have an observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation (SCO).

Energy Cooperation: Connecting Through Pipeline

Cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in the energy sector comprises two spheres, namely, gas and
electricity. The agreement on the export of Iranian natural gas to Pakistan called "IP pipeline" was signed in
2009, and its legal and supplementary annexes were concluded between the two countries in 2010, which
is scheduled to be commissioned in the year 2014. The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project is perhaps the
most important initiative. Gas from Iran is the best possible way of meeting our pressing energy
requirements. There is no third country involved in the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, unlike the
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline which would of course have to go through
Afghanistan.
The cost of gas pipeline project up to Nawabshah is U.S. $ eight billion. If Pakistan fails to complete the
project by the end of 2014, it would have to pay the penalty of $ 3 million dollars per day. The cost of the
Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline is an impediment between the two sides. Pakistan is delaying the gas pipeline

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project. The gas pipeline could meet 25 per cent of our energy needs. The American fear is that if the IranPakistan gas pipeline project materializes, it will be extended to China.

Recommendations
The important factor to build a relationship of friendship and tolerance is the unity of geography and the
continuing interaction between people who share a common religion, cultural heritage, history and
language. To further strengthen the historical ties, it is very important to understand each other's
fundamental interests. The vital factors that could promote shared perceptions and enhance cooperation
between these two states are:
!

Pakistan should play the role of a bridge between Iran and the Middle Eastern countries. The two
countries need to have a comprehensive dialogue on how to help develop better understanding on
Afghanistan. That would help resolve internal and external problems of Afghanistan.

Pakistan should separate its foreign policy from domestic policy for which the solution of the
domestic political and security problems should be sought from within.

Initiation of strategic dialogue between heads of concerned departments to address issues of

national security, territorial integrity, defence, and a focus on regional and international challenges
to both Iran and Pakistan is of paramount importance.

Pakistan and Iran should make joint counter-terrorism team to counter the anti-Iran and antiPakistan elements and secure their border.

Iran has huge reserve of gas and Pakistan can overcome its energy needs through taking further
strengthening measures on IP Gas Pipeline agreement.

A student exchange programme with Iran should start. People-to-people contacts need to be
promoted. Duo need to engage in expertise with each other and to establish close linkages. There
are hardly any persons in Iran and Pakistan who are experts on each other's country.

Track II and Track III need to be established between Pakistan and Iran.

Conclusion
The Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations make them important for the other regional powers, especially India.
Iran-Pakistan relationship political and economic will stand to improve only following the implementation
of better border management and enhanced security measures. Their individual strategic locations make
them important for the major powers as well for keeping their hold on the oil-rich region of Asia. Pakistan
and Iran seem to have concluded that a stable, independent, and economically strong Afghan state is
desirable to secure their own interests as well as peace and stability in the region.

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CPGS Vision
Innovate future prospects for peace and security in the region and beyond through intellectual discourse and
contribute in sustainable social, political and economic development.

About the Centre

The Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS) is a non-partisan platform established to undertake studies in policy
research, advocacy and consultancy to enhance understanding and relations in diverse fields between Pakistan and
the Gulf countries. We regularly conduct seminars, workshops, roundtables and conferences with dignitaries,
academics and experts from every walk of life, in order to actively promote regional harmony, global peace, security
and stability by making substantive intellectual, academic and diplomatic contributions. The Centre aims to harness
the immense potential for increasing cooperation in the region to attain peace, security and economic development
and to assess emerging trends in regional policies and devise strategies for possible future challenges.

Operational Framework & Objectives

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Promote regional peace and harmony through integrated and comprehensive understanding of issues
between peoples, governments and other entities;
Strengthen strategic, political, economic and social cooperation among countries of the region and beyond;
Present view point of Pakistan and the Gulf countries to the rest of the world through academic
engagements, discussion and dialogue among all stakeholders for sustainable development;
Identify opportunities and areas of common interest for potential cooperation between Pakistan and the
countries of the Gulf region at all levels including both public and private sector;
Contribute towards development of ideological and social ideas to promote tolerance and co-existence for
building multicultural human society based on shared ideas and common goals;
Conduct Research and compile reports for the governments and private entities to explore alternative
options for efficient management and resolution of regional and international issues;
Organize workshops and events to develop strong working relationship between academia and
practitioners;
Collaborate with the other research institutions and Think Tanks for achieving the core objectives.

Activities and Services

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Organize periodic seminars, workshops, lectures and other events which would bring together leaders,
academics, practitioners and other stakeholders, to study and discuss issues of importance for the overall
good of the society;
Map out future policy options by analyzing existing trends and emerging scenarios;
Compile, edit and publish (print and electronic) relevant information, data, commentaries and analysis
regularly;
Offer training and academic services for Skill Development and Strategic analysis;
Provide dedicated Consultancy and help create conducive environment for development of our society;
All such other activities which help in achieving core objectives of the Centre and its programs, projects and
initiatives;
Prepare annual report of all activities for interested parties and stakeholders.

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About KAS
Freedom, justice and solidarity are the basic principles underlying the work of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).
The KAS is a political foundation, closely associated with the CDU party. As co-founder ofthe CDU and the first
Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Konrad Adenauer (1876-1967)united social, conservative and liberal
traditions. His name is synonomous with the democraticreconstruction of Germany, the firm alignment of foreign
policy with the trans-Atlantic community ofvalues, the vision of a unified Europe and an orientation towards the
social market economy. Hisintellectual heritage continues to serve both as our aim as well as our obligation today.
In our european and international cooperation efforts we work for people to be able to live self determined lives in
freedom and dignity. We make a contribution underpinned by values to helping Germany meet its growing
responsibilities throughout the world.
We encourage people to lend a hand in shaping the future along these lines. With more than 70 offices abroad and
projects in over 120 countries, we make a unique contribution to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and a
social market economy. To foster peace and freedom we encourage a continuous dialog at the national and
international levels as well as the exchange between cultures and religions.
Human beings in their distinctive dignity and with their rights and responsibilities are at the heart of our work. We
are guided by the conviction that human beings are the starting point in the effort to bring about social justice and
democratic freedom while promoting sustainable economic activity. By bringing people together who embrace their
responsibilities in society, we develop active networks in the political and economic spheres as well as in society
itself. The guidance we provide on the basis of our political know-how and knowledge helps to shape the
globalization process along more socially equitable, ecologically sustainable and economically efficient lines.
We cooperate with governmental institutions, political parties, civil society organizations and handpicked elites,
building strong partnerships along the way. In particular we seek to intensify political cooperation in the area of
development cooperation at the national and international levels on the foundations of our objectives and values.
Together with our partners we make a contribution to the creation of an international order that enables every
country to develop in freedom and under its own responsibility.
In 2008 the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung opened an office in Pakistan. In the field of international cooperation we
support the G8 Afghanistan-Pakistan Initiative, the general exchange of the Pakistani and Afghan Civil Society, and
the strengthening of rule of law. Moreover, we intend to assist in the development of an economic system that takes
into consideration social justice and concern for the environment. The KAS sponsors conferences, seminars and
publications of its partners and conducts its own programmes.

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