Over the past few years, Pakistan’s border geography has become a venue for the activities of terrorist and Takfiri groups inside Iran and has resulted in subversive and terrorist acts and martyrdom of innocent people and security forces.
Iran fights strongly against these groups within its own territory, but evidence suggests that terrorists are easily operating on Pakistani soil and even plan terrorist acts in the geography of the Islamic Republic.
In the past few years, Tehran has always held serious talks and meetings to benefit from Pakistan’s stronger will in fighting these terrorists, but so far no tangible results have been achieved. Recently, serious discussions were held between the two sides to ensure the security of the borders. To discuss the issue we interviewed Dr. Mohsen Rouhi Sefat, former Deputy Director of the Foreign Ministry’s Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS).

Q. How do you assess the extent of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in the joint struggle against terrorism and how do you see the future?

The main issue to consider is the presence of terrorist groups on the common borders between the two countries. Pakistan needs Iran’s cooperation in terms of its political geography. Since the inception of the country, Pakistan has had many border problems with India and Afghanistan.

Baluchistan Province of Pakistan constitutes 44% of its territory and hosts only 4% of Pakistan’s population. This has led Islamabad to exert little efforts in maintaining security and deploying military forces in this region and on common borders with Iran. Islamabad instead has placed its strategic-military-security concentration on relations with India and Afghanistan and the fundamental problems related to them.
The relationship and cooperation between Islamabad and Tehran should be outlined in a comprehensive and committed framework, since bilateral cooperation and political relations are costly for the committed party, and this issue in the international relations is called “give and take”. The deployment of Pakistani military and security forces on common borders with Iran will certainly be costly for Islamabad, but they must accept the fact that this will be in line with their own interests. Eventually, in general terms, bilateral relations should move in a direction where the interests of the other party are in line with our interests.
The tools of cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan are commissions and joint committees that regulate relations in political, security, economic, defense and cultural areas at the level of high level officials and middle managers.
Committees such as defense as well as border commanders, and security cooperation between the two countries can be held at appropriate times to overcome misunderstandings and eliminate the gaps exploited by common enemies. By utilizing these mechanisms in bilateral relations and binding commitments, a relationship based on mutual interests can be outlined and planned.
Over the past few years, border coordination meetings have been held between Chabahar, Zahedan, Quetta, Guadar and some other cities. At the same time, to expand relations between the two countries, contacts and meetings at the level of ministers, the Security Council and senior officials should be held within shorter periods of time so that the will of political leaders is focused on resolving bilateral problems and their obligations would translate deep into action. The ultimate goal is to prevent terrorist groups and countries supporting these terrorists from taking advantage of the situation.
The future of Iran-Pakistan cooperation depends on bilateral investments. The two countries must also take the concerns of their neighbor across the borders seriously. Although these concerns may not be relevant the other party is expected to cooperate in solving the problems. As a result, it is necessary for the two sides to work to resolve their security and economic concerns; likewise, the Islamic Republic of Iran expects Pakistan to prevent the activities of some groups on the common border.
Confidence is a long, chain-driven, multi-faceted process. To link the chain of trust, a long time and a strong will is needed, and this time is not limited to the term of a government in a certain country. Also, in order to complete the image of confidence building, cooperation should be undertaken in various aspects, but its scope does not go to defense only; social, political, and especially economic issues are among the most important aspects of cooperation between the two neighbors.

Q: Generally speaking, what is Saudi Arabia’s role in relations between the two countries?

Since the beginning of King Salman’s rule, Saudi interest in undermining relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan has increased. Riyadh is trying to take advantage of the misunderstandings between Iran and Pakistan and turn Islamabad into an ally against Tehran.
In the meanwhile, Pakistan is not naïve and is aware of the security risks resulting from extensive cooperation with the Saud family. Islamabad’s policy is based on balancing relations with Tehran and Riyadh. In Islamic geography, Saudi Arabia plays a special role for Pakistani Muslims; Moreover, it has extended financial aid to Pakistan in times of economic crisis.
Also, Bin Salman traveled to Pakistan and several other countries on the sideline of his Asian tours to improve Saudi Arabia’s distorted image after the tragic murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Iran’s evaluation of these trips is realization of part of the promises of Bin Salman, along with the deprivation of Pakistani society from exploiting these pledges. Although part of these issues are just slogans and meant for publicity, but Saudi Arabia seems to be a country Pakistan can cooperate with.
Currently, the US aid to Pakistan is cut off, which is why the Pakistani army is working to meet its vital needs from other channels. Of course, it is important to note that Islamabad has the necessary wisdom to counter actions taken against the interests of Tehran.

Q: What are the platforms and needs of cooperation between Iran and Pakistan?

Neighborhood policy requires the two countries to resolve misunderstandings and build relationships based on the realities on the field. Iran and Pakistan have numerous commonalities in the historical context and should use these platforms to build appropriate political relations. Undoubtedly a developed and stable Pakistan will be more beneficial for the Islamic Republic of Iran and its neighbors. Such a country will be able to confront the activities of non-governmental actors on the borders of the two countries. Ultimately, the willingness to expand cooperation between Iran and Pakistan could be implemented by adopting sound decisions on the part of both sides.