Pakistan Backs Iran's Right to Self-Defense Amid Ongoing Israel Conflict

Pakistan Backs Iran’s Right to Self-Defense Amid Ongoing Israel Conflict

Iran and Pakistan have a rich history of cultural, economic, and strategic relations, making their partnership vital for regional stability and economic development. In an exclusive interview with Mehr News Agency, the Pakistani Ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, shared his insights on the current state of bilateral relations, discussing both the challenges and opportunities for collaboration. This dialogue underscores the significance of their cooperation in promoting peace and prosperity across the region.

Understanding the Importance of Iran-Pakistan Relations

Iran and Pakistan share deep ideological, historical, cultural, and geographical ties. As Ambassador Tipu stated, “We are great nations, great people.” The historical roots of Iran date back over 2,500 years, while Pakistan was established on August 14, 1947. This rich heritage has led to:

  • A strong relationship across various levels: political, diplomatic, trade, military, and security.
  • Increased interactions between the people of both nations, including travel for religious and economic purposes.

Ambassador Tipu emphasized that in the past two years, bilateral relations have strengthened significantly. “The people of Iran and Pakistan travel extensively all throughout the year,” he noted, highlighting the importance of fostering people-to-people connections.

Challenges in Economic Relations

Every bilateral relationship faces challenges, and the Iran-Pakistan partnership is no exception. According to Ambassador Tipu:

  • The ongoing engagement between the leaders of both countries is crucial. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Massoud Pezeshkian maintain close communication.
  • Foreign ministers Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Abbass Araghchi are in regular contact, facilitating deep political and diplomatic negotiations.
  • A joint economic commission is scheduled to meet next month, underscoring the commitment to overcoming challenges.

“From my perspective, we need to tap the full potential of the relationship,” he added, urging both nations to focus on economic development and the creation of trade-free zones.

The Impact of Sanctions on Trade Relations

When discussing sanctions and their effect on Iran-Pakistan trade, Ambassador Tipu maintained an optimistic outlook. He asserted:

  • Trade relations are growing, and interaction between business communities is vibrant.
  • A Joint Border Trade Committee is actively promoting infrastructure development at the border.
  • While challenges exist, focusing on opportunities is essential for future progress.

“Let’s focus on the opportunities we have,” he emphasized, highlighting the need for a forward-looking approach.

Joint Projects and Trilateral Cooperation

Ambassador Tipu also addressed the potential for joint projects, such as the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, to facilitate trilateral cooperation. He pointed out:

  • Geographically, the three countries represent a population of over 1.7 billion, providing significant potential for regional connectivity.
  • Trade facilitation among these nations can significantly benefit Central Asia, Europe, and Africa.
  • Investment opportunities are vast, particularly in Pakistan’s development and Iran’s investment capacity.

“With our collective approach, we can bring countries together,” Ambassador Tipu stated, emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaboration.

Regional Stability and Security Measures

Iran and Pakistan play crucial roles in maintaining regional stability, especially concerning Afghanistan. Ambassador Tipu noted:

  • Both nations have established a cooperative framework to address drug trafficking, illegal migration, and transnational border crimes.
  • There is a strong commitment to enhance interactions between security institutions of both countries.

“We are living in a challenging region,” he remarked, acknowledging the historical issues that have affected both nations. However, he expressed confidence in the leadership of both countries to foster stronger ties for regional security.

Iran’s Role in Pakistan’s Security Strategy

Ambassador Tipu highlighted the strategic significance of Iran for Pakistan, stating:

  • The two countries share a 900-kilometer border, fostering deep cultural linkages.
  • They regularly cooperate in international forums such as the UN and OIC.

He mentioned the mutual support during times of conflict, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to Iran’s security during critical moments.

Pakistan’s Stance on Recent Conflicts

Regarding the recent conflict involving Israel, Ambassador Tipu stated:

  • Pakistan strongly condemned the actions taken against Iran and fully endorsed Iran’s right to self-defense under the UN charter.
  • The leadership of both nations engaged closely to ensure diplomatic support across international platforms.

“Our Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were actively engaged with their Iranian counterparts,” he noted, illustrating the depth of diplomatic relations.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Iran-Pakistan Relations

Ambassador Tipu expressed optimism for the future of Iran-Pakistan ties, reflecting on the progress made in recent years:

  • Frequent high-level visits have strengthened the partnership.
  • Military leadership from both sides has maintained regular communication to ensure regional stability.

“The interaction between Iran and Pakistan is a guarantee for the security of the entire region,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of their partnership not just for the two nations, but for regional peace as a whole.

Interview by Marzieh Rahmani

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