GEOGRAPHY plays a significant role in establishing diplomatic and strategic relationship among nations. It brings nations as friends and makes them as arch rivals. Pakistan’s geo-strategic position is unique in many respects. Pakistan got liberation from British Empire and the Colonial Maters deliberately demarcated boundaries in such a manner which would remain a bone of contention among neighbour countries.
Afghanistan, being a Muslim neighbour, always showed inimical gestures on the western border of Pakistan. Likewise, India since very inception of Pakistan never unturned any stone to destabilize Pakistan socially, politically, economically and militarily. However, Islamic Republic of Iran has the credit to be the first Muslim country to recognize Pakistan in its early days and also established brotherly relationship with Pakistan. Pakistan always tried to refrain from interfering in domestic affairs of Iran. Both Pakistan and Iran have a number of commonalities like Islam as a State religion, linguistic (Persian language), Sectarian (Sunni and Shia communities), literary etc. In addition, ethnic homogeneity cannot be ignored as Baloch community is settled in Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Some handful Sardars for their ulterior motives always used militia and foreign territory against Pakistan and its security agencies.
The Indian support to such elements is beyond any doubt. Likewise, the case of Kalboshan Yadev, the Indian Marine Officer, deputed for spying and destabilizing Pakistan, is a glaring example. His network had roots in Iran. Likewise, Pakistan also expressed its reservations to Iranian government for interference of some elements in sectarian violence in Parachinar and other parts of the country. Pakistan possesses information on Baloch insurgents’ safe havens in Iran but maintains a policy of restraint, prioritizing a brotherly relationship and preventing any third hostile party from exploiting the situation. Pakistan also played a neutral and diplomatic role in easing Iran-Iraq tension (1980-88). Pakistan’s principled stand is not to let its territory be used against Iran at any cost.
Iran attacked Sabz Koh village, located 45km from its border and 90km from Panjgur, Baluchistan, where Baloch tribes engage in smuggling. In response, Pakistan conducted precision military strikes on January 18, 2024, targeting hideouts of Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front in Iran. These groups, designated as terrorist organizations, have been involved in insurgency and attacks on civilians and security forces in Pakistan. The operation, named ‘Marg Bar Sarmachar’ (Death to Guerrilla Fighters), utilized killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and standoff weapons. The strikes resulted in the elimination of several terrorists, as reported by the Pakistan Foreign Ministry.
Iran’s belligerent policy in chasing Jaish-e-Adl inside Pakistan is alarming and has serious repercussions like: i) Violation of International Law; ii) Violation of external sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan; iii) Fomenting hostile sentiments among Pakistanis against their Muslim brother country Iran; iv) Strengthening the footprints of the non-state actors in both Pakistan and Iran; v) Exacerbation of internal destabilization in both countries, etc.
Iran is already involved in the Middle East crisis, especially against Israel. Any strategic miscalculation on the part of Iranian leadership will weaken its position in regional strategic environment. In addition, the mutual cooperation between the insurgent groups in either side of two countries cannot be ruled out. The mutual confrontation between the two countries will create space for these groups. In Iran, the situation is not conducive and the Sunni Muslim Baloch minority has grievances against the Iranian Regime for discrimination in the Shia Muslim-majority state. Jaish-al-Adl in Iran is an active Sunni militant group operating in Sistan-Balochistan to target Iranian security forces. In December, 2023, Jaish-al-Adl attacked a police station in Rask (Iran) – a town close to the border with Pakistan. Recently, two bombs killed 84 people at a ceremony held in Kerman to commemorate the US assassination of General Qasim Sulemani – Iran’s Revolutionary Guard General.
The de-escalation of tension between two brother Islamic countries is not out of question and the relationship can easily be normalized by taking following (some) steps. First, both countries need to revisit their respective foreign policy in changing global and regional strategic dynamics. Second, both countries need to understand of security dynamics of each other. Third, both countries need to establish Intelligence-based mechanism to counter militants, insurgents and other non-state actors involved in destabilizing either country. Fourth, an effective Joint Border Security Force and Surveillance (JBSFS) mechanism need to be strengthened to counter their security threats. Fifth, the leadership in both countries need to avoid misconception and trust deficit. Sixth, diplomatic channels must be given priority. Seventh, periodic meetings among the political and military leaderships need to be held so as to evaluate the security policies and to design some doable solutions to counter terrorism, militancy and insurgency on both sides of the border. In a nutshell, strategic miscalculation, aggressive and offensive policy on either side of the border can be lethal for both countries in all respects.
—The writer is Chairman, Department of Political Science, Islamia College, Peshawar.
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views expressed are writer’s own.
