Iranian President’s Pakistan Visit Signals New Diplomatic Opportunities
Iranian President’s Visit to Pakistan: Why Is It Important?
By Asif Mahmood
The Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan is Iran’s first visit to any country after the war, a fact that further enhances the diplomatic, strategic, and economic significance of this visit. While the visit serves as an endorsement of Pakistan’s role as a mediator, it is also a recognition of Pakistan’s leadership role in global politics. It is equally a declaration that the brotherly Islamic country of Iran is practically acknowledging the goodwill demonstrated by Pakistan during the conflict.
Pakistan’s foreign policy has traditionally been based on two fundamental principles.
The first principle is that regardless of circumstances, Pakistan must maintain a balance between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is a brotherly Islamic country, close to our hearts and a center of our respect and devotion. The holy sites are located there, and we hold them dear with utmost reverence. Therefore, Pakistan can never distance itself from Saudi Arabia. The nature of our relations with the Kingdom has always been extraordinary and exemplary.
However, Iran is also a brotherly Islamic country and our neighbor. Pakistan shares deep strategic and diplomatic ties with Iran within the region; therefore, Pakistan cannot afford to alienate Iran either. No matter what the circumstances may be, this fundamental principle has remained active throughout every era of Pakistan’s foreign policy, and Pakistan has never allowed the balance between Saudi Arabia and Iran to be disturbed.
Consequently, today Pakistan is the only country in the Muslim world that can speak with Iran with the same confidence with which it speaks to Saudi Arabia. Iran knows that Pakistan is sincere in its intentions, and Saudi Arabia is equally assured of Pakistan’s goodwill. Pakistan is not a rival of either country; rather, it holds sentiments of respect, goodwill, and sympathy for both.
Maintaining this balance was no ordinary task. Those who understand the strategic and political complexities of the Muslim world know that it was an extremely difficult responsibility. Yet Pakistan fulfilled it successfully. On one hand, Pakistan mediated between Iran and the United States and helped Iran emerge from the quagmire of war. On the other hand, Pakistan also made it clear that Saudi Arabia is its red line and a no-go area. If anyone attempted to violate Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, Pakistan would stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia.
Therefore, if this conflict did not transform into a wider confrontation between Iran and the Arab world, Pakistan’s balanced and responsible role also deserves considerable credit. By adhering to this fundamental principle of its foreign policy, Pakistan sought to protect the Islamic world from mutual conflict through goodwill and constructive engagement. This is why, if the Iranian leadership has chosen Pakistan as its first destination after the war, it is both a confirmation and an appreciation of Pakistan’s role.
The second fundamental principle of Pakistan’s foreign policy has been that China is a very close friend. Pakistan’s long-term trade, defense, and economic interests are linked with China. The friendship between Pakistan and China is extraordinary—deeper than the oceans and higher than the Himalayas. Pakistan firmly stands with China. However, the United States is also a global reality and an international power. Therefore, Pakistan has sought to maintain good relations with the United States while continuing to stand by China.
Maintaining this balance between the two major powers was also not an easy task, but Pakistan emerged successful in this test as well. Consequently, Pakistan can today engage with the United States with the same confidence with which it engages with China. American leadership is praising Pakistan’s leadership, while China continues to express confidence in Pakistan.
This is an extraordinary diplomatic achievement for Pakistan, granting it a unique position in the region. The reason for this success is that Pakistan has consistently adhered to the fundamental principles of its foreign policy and has never compromised on them, regardless of how serious or complex circumstances became.
In Pakistan, the habit of constantly criticizing one’s own country has almost become a disease. Otherwise, the evident reality is that Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements are worthy of pride.
The Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan carries a world of possibilities. Pakistan’s mediation has opened up a new world of opportunities for Iran itself. Iran is moving toward reintegration with the global economic system, and its frozen assets have started to be restored. While this offers numerous benefits to Iran, it also creates significant opportunities for Pakistan.
The situation along the long Pakistan-Iran border is likely to change. Addressing terrorism in Balochistan may become easier for Pakistan because Iran and Pakistan are entering a new phase of bilateral relations.
Similarly, prospects for mutual barter trade are bright. Pakistan will gain access to transit routes toward West Asia through Iran. It may secure access to cheaper oil, and work on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project may move forward. In other words, a new world of opportunities is emerging. If these prospects materialize successfully, Pakistan’s mediation, goodwill, and balanced foreign policy will be counted among the foremost factors behind this achievement.
