Pakistan and Iran share a complex relationship characterized by both cooperation and challenges, particularly in the areas of border security, border trade, and gas pipeline cooperation. Analyzing these aspects provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between the two countries.

A first border market was opened by the highest officials of Pakistan and Iran as bilateral ties improve. The marketplace is the first of six to be built along the Pakistan-Iran border

In a landmark gesture to foster regional trade and energy cooperation, the leaders of Iran and Pakistan jointly opened a market and a power transmission line along their shared border. In a live broadcast from the Iranian side of the two countries’ more than 900-kilometer border, a first border market was opened by the highest officials of Pakistan and Iran as bilateral ties improve. The marketplace is the first of six to be built along the Pakistan-Iran border as part of a 2012 deal reached by the two countries, and it is situated in the isolated village of Pashin in Pakistan’s southern Balochistan region. The two nations’ joint marketplace connects the cities of Pishin in Iran’s southeast and Mand in Pakistan’s southwest. Both parties agreed to strengthen their business and economic connections, and Raisi was invited to visit Islamabad, the Pakistani capital.

This is the first such trip since 2013, when the two countries, over American objections, negotiated a deal allowing Pakistan to import Iranian gas. At that time, Tehran declared, “The West has no right to block the project.” U.S. sanctions against Iran prevented the accord from being put into effect. Pakistan has tried to preserve relationships with Iran, which is predominately Shiite, while maintaining tight ties with Sunni superpower Saudi Arabia. In a deal mediated by China, longtime enemies Riyad and Tehran fixed their ties.

Raisi, stated that the initiative had prepared Tehran and Islamabad to extend their economic and energy exchanges and that Iran is completely prepared to further deepen its connections with our neighboring country Pakistan in the energy sector. An electricity transmission line that would bring Iranian electricity to some of Pakistan’s rural regions was also officially opened by the two leaders. Balochistan, a region bordering Pakistan, would get 100 megawatts of Iranian electricity via the transmission line. 100 megawatts of cheap Iranian power are already imported into the resource-rich but impoverished region.

By boosting bilateral “retail trade” and helping to create jobs. This project’s message is one of security. Both nations view border security as a chance rather than a danger.

According to Raisi, the facilities will benefit thousands of households on both sides of the distant, impoverished regions by boosting bilateral “retail trade” and helping to create jobs. This project’s message is one of security. Both nations view border security as a chance rather than a danger. Both leaders spoke informally about measures to improve border security cooperation at a meeting that took place in conjunction with the inauguration. Exchanging ideas on how to strengthen and synchronize the unified border security system. In terms of border trade, Pakistan and Iran have been working to promote economic ties and enhance bilateral trade. Several border crossing points have been established, facilitating the movement of goods and people. Both countries have also taken steps to simplify customs procedures and reduce trade barriers. However, trade volumes remain below their potential due to various challenges, including infrastructural limitations, cumbersome bureaucratic processes, and sanctions imposed on Iran. Enhancing trade ties requires addressing these obstacles and exploring new avenues for economic cooperation, which could contribute to the economic development of both nations.

Long-standing causes of enmity between the two countries have included insurgent strikes in sparsely populated Balochistan and deadly attacks by Sunni terrorists in Shi’ite Iran’s neighboring Sistan-Balochistan region. Because of cross-border attacks by Pakistani extremists along their common border, ties between Iran and Pakistan have been tense. An ongoing unrest demanding Balochistan’s independence from the Islamabad-based federal government has been led by small separatist organizations. In recent years, militants opposed to Iran from Pakistan have also targeted the Iranian border, escalating tensions between the two nations. Both governments have accused the other of not doing enough to stop extremist strikes across international borders.

Pakistan and Iran have been working together to address common concerns such as cross-border smuggling, drug trafficking, and militant activities. Both countries have engaged in intelligence-sharing and coordinated border patrols to enhance security along their shared border.

On the issue of border security, Pakistan and Iran have been working together to address common concerns such as cross-border smuggling, drug trafficking, and militant activities. Both countries have engaged in intelligence-sharing and coordinated border patrols to enhance security along their shared border. However, challenges persist, as the border region remains vulnerable to infiltration by non-state actors and criminal networks. Efforts to strengthen border security through increased coordination and joint operations continue to be essential for maintaining stability in the region.

The gas pipeline cooperation between Pakistan and Iran, commonly known as the Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline, has faced numerous hurdles. The project aims to supply natural gas from Iran to Pakistan, which would help address Pakistan’s energy needs. However, the implementation of the pipeline has been delayed due to various factors, including international sanctions on Iran, financial constraints, and geopolitical considerations. Despite initial agreements, progress has been slow, with the project facing uncertainty and periodic suspension. The successful completion of the IP Gas Pipeline could significantly contribute to Pakistan’s energy security and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Iran and Pakistan inked an agreement in 1990 to build an approximately 2,700-kilometer gas pipeline to sell Iranian gas to their South Asian neighbor.

However, overcoming the challenges and reaching a mutually beneficial agreement remains a complex task. Iran and Pakistan inked an agreement in 1990 to build an approximately 2,700-kilometer gas pipeline to sell Iranian gas to their South Asian neighbor. However, US sanctions on Iran stymied any progress on the project. Iranian authorities claim that they have completed work on their side of the border and are waiting on Pakistan to finish its portion, warning that failure to make progress by next year will enable Tehran to seek multibillion-dollar fines. Pakistan, on the other hand, remains committed to the pipeline project. Pakistan regards the Iran-Pakistan pipeline as a crucial project that symbolizes Pakistan’s friendliness.

Addressing common security concerns, promoting trade facilitation, and realizing the potential of the gas pipeline cooperation require sustained efforts, diplomatic negotiations, and regional cooperation.

Pakistan and Iran’s relationship on border security, border trade, and gas pipeline cooperation exhibits a mixture of cooperation and challenges. Addressing common security concerns, promoting trade facilitation, and realizing the potential of the gas pipeline cooperation require sustained efforts, diplomatic negotiations, and regional cooperation. By addressing these issues, Pakistan and Iran can foster a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to regional stability, economic growth, and energy security.