Iran and Pakistan- Prospects of future relations after the nuke deal

[Speak Out]

It is definitely a welcome development that an agreement has been arrived at. The main thing which should bind or break Iran - Pakistan relations is economic. I for one, feel that there is enough potential for both Iran and Pakistan to share and both to emerge as winners. However, there are hawks who view things differently and project negatives on non-issues which could result in stalemate. Rest assured there is a very strong lobby of hawks here. What Pakistan needs to do is prioritize its interests and proceed accordingly. If that is done correctly, Iran and Pakistan have much to benefit from each other.

 

[SrNair]

Its not about shia sunni its about looking after your own interests even you can make a deal with the devil if it suits youbin this case iran ans USA . If iran can put aside its differences why not pakistan .


You cannot have a meaningful dialogue without even giving KASHMIR the right to self determination . You cant just push it aside like noora did recently withbthe moodi terrorist

Well we dont give a shit about that .And I didnt quote you .That comment for OP.
Pakistan's importance in our foreign policy is reduced .
Why should we go for a relation with Pakistan ?.Kashmir ill stay here whether you like it or not.You were in a strong position in 1990s with these same US and West support .But did that work?
Now AFAIK west also think twice before they mentioned anything about Kashmir.

You cant even respect your own elected leader.But we respects.As a PM we respect Sharif .As usual establishment sabotaged his effort.
Take this from here .Forget any type of concession from us .


I dont know about the real attitude of the Iranian policy makers whether they are sync in in with OP .e

 

[airmarshal]

@Serpentine you have said it all.

But first let me commend Iran on successful diplomacy on a very tricky and slippery deal. Jawad Zarif deserve full credit and congratulations.

Iran's coming out of isolation is not liked by Arabs. In the last 35 years, they had full monopoly on regional politics and economic development in the absence of Iran. While Iran was kind of jailed, Arabs had Americans by theirs ears. This will gradually change now.

Arabs must also see it as an opportunity. Instead of dividing Muslim nations on sectarian lines, Iran and Arabs can work on mutual interests for development of these countries and to eliminate mortal threats.

Coming to Pakistan. We have no dispute with Iran at any level. In fact, our literature, culture and religious bond is very strong. We can build on it in the economic sphere as well and gas pipeline could be a big start. Our economic cooperation too has been stunted by sanctions on Iran. Proof of the economic relation between two countries can be gauged by level of smuggling taking place on the border which replaces the official channels that cant be formally opened due to sanctions.

Pakistan is also in a unique situation as regards to turmoil in Middle East. Pakistan has good and even excellent relations with Saudi Arabia as well as Iran. If we have a better PM than the current nut case, we can play an extremely important bridging role between Iran and Arab world and bring down sectarian temperature owing to the fact that Pakistan is a big Islamic country with 40% Shia population.

 

[Max Pain]

Excellent analysis @Serpentine,
Regional cooperation between both countries will be of benefit.
The prospect of increasing trade is much higher now.
Irani companies can invest in Pakistan's energy sector that is evergrowing when it comes to demand.
Also not only that there should be exchange of students amongst different Pakistani and Iranian universities which will also increase cooperation we shall be able to enjoy each other's expertise in engineering and technology.
Also you guys can have stronger military ties with Pakistan.
The F5 fighters have been obsolete for quite a while now and a joint venture in JFT program will be long lasting for both the nations.

The possibilities are endless .
Its upto the policy makers on how they make good use of the situation

 

[hussain0216]

I wish the absolute best for iran and Iranians

Like i have always said only to stupid people are Chabahar and Gwader in competition there is plenty of business to go around

Iran through the IPI will link into Pakistan and subsequently China and vice versa rather than anything else

We will have to work together to develop and secure Balochistan


When it comes to india we understand what you are saying, it is sensible and reasonable

But not everything is logical our emnity with the indians is deep rooted, and a point of national pride, it is emotional and logic can not overide something which is emotional

Just like regardless of the problems and consequences iran was adamant with the west that you were a free state and they were not going to take your sovereign rights

The kashmir issue of a Hindu india occupying a muslim majority state out of greed is unacceptable to us

Maybe if we didn't have wars over it we could move on but too much effort snd blood has been spilt to forget about it

Once again we wish iranians the absolute best and we will work together for both our benefit
BUT i expect our ISI and Military to block india at every turn and make life hell for them especially in Afghanistan

 

[Arsalan]

@Serpentine , you know i love you and you know i respect you to the end of times . but bro , lets open our eyes .

The so called IP pipeline is (was) a loss for Iran . we spent a Sh!t load of money to complete it on our side and we did . but lets put that into perspective : how much are we going to gain by continuation of this costly and stupid project ? i gotta assure you its not worth it . not at all .

Today's pakistan is not 1970's pakistan , nowadays you open a thread will all your heartiest good will and it won't take much for a some pakistani to drag the discussion into yet another Shia-Sunni shitfest .

these people are becoming more like a majority there (i am not sure about this , but i can see they are growing in number) , no matter how stupid you find them :



so yeah @srNir is right . these people (from these people i mean this specific group of pakistanis) live in a different era than we do . they live in a different world . a world where everyone is a kafir , unless he/she abides by their ill will .

If we go on with this project there is ZERO guarantee that there will be no daily explosions along the line

i really pray that i'm wrong , but this is what i've established after reading thousands of posts by hundreds of pakistanis around this forum and elsewhere .

Iran and India will continue to establish more formidable and friendly ties while all they do is moan .

If pakistan cuts his ties with saudia , we'll do the same with india . it's never gonna happen .

for now india is a much better and trustworthy Ally than pakistanis .

and dude please , the prospects of this deal goes far beyond the region . let's focus on Germens , Russians , french and other more powerful countries for now .

I want me some T-50s ASAP . lol


believe me , no one thinks like that here in Iran . unfortunately , one hell of a downside to being a 3rd world country is having a sectarian mindset .

I pray for my own country cause we've fortunately circumvented that phase without passing it .

Actually, i disagree.

I am a Pakistani and a Muslim of sunni sect but i am all open to good relations not only between Pakistan and Iran but i sincerely wish Pakistan can play its part to bring Iran and Arabs closer. As mentioned in numerous other posts by myself, if Shia and Sunni cannot work together, at least they should stop working AGAINST each other.

About the the sunni extremist being in numbers, you are wrong dear. Yes, UNFORTUNATELY there numbers are growing but it is still hugely outnumbered by people who want better relations and do not believe in this Shia Sunni fighting shit. In fact, perhaps it is just the numbers that is growing and not the ratio. One problem i can think of is the blind love of our current government for Arabs, that might be a problem but then again, they are not here to stay forever. Also there will be considerable pressure from within the country for Nawaz Gov to review any such stupid biased policies. I hope the fear of that make them not go that path in the first place, we have seen that in the ongoing Yemen crisis.

In short, if any nation think that they can drive a wedge between Pakistan and Iran based on just Shia Sunni differences, i think they are in for a surprise. They will need a lot more then this to effect our relations, much much more, in form of financial aids may be, investment opportunities, trade etc. This Shia Sunni different alone wont play any important part between Pakistan Iran relations. We know there are a few militant groups that are killing Pakistan Shia brothers, they are identified. The military is actively pursuing multiple targets, the government is working on curbing foreign finances for different Madrassas and organizations and all that will hep IMPROVE the situation further.

When he said 'forget India for the moment' it did not mean that India's relations with Iran would go down in any way.

He meant that Pakistanis should focus on just Iran-Pakistan relations instead of Pakistan bothering about India-Iran relations.

That should not be difficult and is something Pakistan should go ahead with.
Will be beneficial for the whole region.

 

[Super Falcon]

Time for pak to put national interest above all above saudi and entire world to become what they are we need to develop gwadar and give it a status of honkong as china has seprate rule seprate laws seprate visa for gwadar for foreigners

 

[haman10]

Actually, i disagree.

I am a Pakistani and a Muslim of sunni sect but i am all open to good relations not only between Pakistan and Iran but i sincerely wish Pakistan can play its part to bring Iran and Arabs closer. As mentioned in numerous other posts by myself, if Shia and Sunni cannot work together, at least they should stop working AGAINST each other.

About the the sunni extremist being in numbers, you are wrong dear. Yes, UNFORTUNATELY there numbers are growing but it is still hugely outnumbered by people who want better relations and do not believe in this Shia Sunni fighting shit. In fact, perhaps it is just the numbers that is growing and not the ratio. One problem i can think of is the blind love of our current government for Arabs, that might be a problem but then again, they are not here to stay forever. Also there will be considerable pressure from within the country for Nawaz Gov to review any such stupid biased policies. I hope the fear of that make them not go that path in the first place, we have seen that in the ongoing Yemen crisis.

In short, if any nation think that they can drive a wedge between Pakistan and Iran based on just Shia Sunni differences, i think they are in for a surprise. They will need a lot more then this to effect our relations, much much more, in form of financial aids may be, investment opportunities, trade etc. This Shia Sunni different alone wont play any important part between Pakistan Iran relations. We know there are a few militant groups that are killing Pakistan Shia brothers, they are identified. The military is actively pursuing multiple targets, the government is working on curbing foreign finances for different Madrassas and organizations and all that will hep IMPROVE the situation further.


That should not be difficult and is something Pakistan should go ahead with.
Will be beneficial for the whole region.

All in all , believe me we want the best for you .

not just as a neighbor but as a muslim neighbor who shares it's history with your people , we love you and we want the best for you .

i only wish what you say is right .

 

[Arsalan]

All in all , believe me we want the best for you .

not just as a neighbor but as a muslim neighbor who shares it's history with your people , we love you and we want the best for you .

i only wish what you say is right .

The feeling is mutual my friend.
Things are bad, there is no doubt about that. The whole Shia Sunni thing, the insurgency in Baluchistan, foreign sponsored terrorist causing problems and all that. However if have gotten this bad, the can change for good as well. There are hundreds of thousands of people who want things to change for good, for Pakistan, for Shia-Sunni relations, for regional peace and prosperity and i am very hopeful these the efforts and well wishes of millions of these people will eventually count for something!

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

sanctions and the threat of punishing our financial system is pretty much the single largest impediment to the major projects like the I-P pipeline.....that and the fact that Iran faced domestic shortages (not sure what the situation is now) plus it took ages to devise a price mechanism with them (now solved)

me personally, i hope sanctions are lifted ASAP as they unfairly target regular Iranians - some who may not even agree with the govt. policies

 

[Hyperion]

@Serpentine, an excellent analysis brother!

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

Our slavish rulers and policy makers who under the influence of Saudi Arabia and US have disregarded national interest for years by delaying this gas pipeline from Iran now may also find other lame excuse. These fools have wasted years by not completing this pipeline and supplying gas to desperate Pakistanis. They can stand against the world by supporting Talibans but not for this gas pipeline that would have served millions of Pakistanis.



Pakistan has wasted two decades by not focusing on ECO while focusing on our failed Afghan policy. Now the policy makers waking up to what rational Pakistanis were telling the establishment for years and were accused of being Afghanis !

i think it has less to do with the vested interest groups and more to do with the sanctions and fear of "reprisals" from the west....though the vested interest groups do play a role. Sharif family has always been super close to the Saudi royal family and the second he became PM we never even heard anything about the I-P pipeline project.

sanctions should be lifted, hatched should be buried and full trade and inclusion of Iran in the world financial system should take place....it's a large Muslim country and our neighbour - our trade prospects with them are huge.

as HORUS said - our big priority should be ECO.

 

[Menace2Society]

Pakistan and Iran must form iron bond. In this messed up world where majority of Muslim countries are in chaos and anarchy, neighbors must work together and look out for each other.

 

[hussain0216]

Pakistan and Iran must form iron bond. In this messed up world where majority of Muslim countries are in chaos and anarchy, neighbors must work together and look out for each other.

I would include Turkey in this

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

Excellent post @Serpentine
I wish most of the points you have highlighted come to be true. There are some irregularities off-course, things i find are a bit too difficult to achieve or things that have been conveniently left out to debate on the assumptions or the actual prospects of Iran-Pakistan relations in wake on this new nuclear deal. For one, if you read that post, on number of points you have mentioned "leave India out of this" or " forget about India on this for a moment" now the Indians wont be very happy with that. Specially considering that it was them who supported you to some extent when Iran was under sanctions, even your own government will be a bit reluctant to shun them just like that in favor of Pakistan. Yes Iran and Pakistan have shared very close relations historically and i see that to happen again in future, i seriously hope it does. For me, our government rather then compromising on relations with a neighbor under pressure from Arabs should try to broker a deal for relatively peaceful relations between the Shia and Sunni block. At least get them to stop hurting others interest even if they do not agree to nurture. That is perhaps again i bit too much to ask but still, stranger things have happened. If the Sunni can seek Israel's and western help against Iran and Iran can strike a deal with western world it one deemed evil Kufaars, why can Shia and Sunni sit together for once!

Anyway, coming back to prospects, as have been pointed out in the opening post, they are IMMENSE. IN second post of this thread, @Horus have mentioned ECO. Now one can write a book about it and still left with much to say. ECO have tremendous potential. Unlike OIC is is an organization based on regional togetherness, like on lines of NATO for Europe. The region have similar interest and there are very very few points where interests of these nations will contradict. So if run properly, it have huge potential. With CPEC hopefully becoming a reality, Joining Iran and via Iran Turkey in a stronger rail and road link will be a win win for everyone. The land locked countries of central Asia can get access to Arabia sea and thus the Indian ocean. Think about Russia joining in to accomplish there decades old wish for warm waters. Even if we leave that alone, the ECO in itself, considering the members countries growth potential and enormous natural resources have potential to be one of the worlds most prominent multinational organizations.

A functioning ECO and better relations brokered between Arabs and Iran and we have a region that will surpass anything the world have. These are all possibilities dear, but, will take serious leader ship, dedicated people who will put the mutual interests first rather then there short term individual ones, not only at a personal level but at national level.

Again, i hope all you said @Serpentine becomes a reality and that will be great for the whole region.Look how beautiful this red line looks

indians were forced to reduce imports of Iranian oil during escalation of sanctions and they did so - which led to Iran being forced to seize an indian state-owned oil tanker some years back

india wasnt entirely supportive of Iran but then again neither were we - when we back-tracked on the I-P deal due to international pressure