Iran is the neighboring
Islamic country of Pakistan. After the independence of Pakistan in August 1947,
Iran had the unique distinction of being the first country to internationally
recognize the sovereign status of Pakistan. Currently, both countries are
economic partners. This cooperation lasted throughout the Cold War, with Iran
supporting Pakistan in its conflicts with arch-rival, India. In return, Pakistan
supported Iran militarily during the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s. Since 2000,
relations between the two states have been relatively normalized, and economical
and military collaboration has strengthened the relationship. Both countries are
founding members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Both Countries enjoy brotherly relationships since the first day of Pakistani
independence. Recently, the two days visit by President Hassan Rouhani of Iran
was of very significant importance because of the emerging geopolitical and
economic situation in Gulf and Asian region. President Rouhani has signed many
economic agreement with Ministry of Finance and also urged Pakistan that
PAK-IRAN Gas Pipeline should be completed as soon as possible from Pakistani
side. Six MoUs has be signed between both countries, which would boost their
bilateral trade to $5 billion within the next five years, from the dismally low
bilateral trade of $1 billion between the neighboring countries. Ports of Gwadar
and Chahbahar has been named as Sister Ports which will help to increased trade
activity in the region. As Chahbahar enjoyed same location as Gwadar has and can
served as a gateway to land locked Central Asia.
I-P Gas Pipeline can be a new wave of Cool breeze for Pakistan as Pakistan is
facing serious energy crises now a days, IP in start was IPI
(Iran-Pakistan-India) but India withdraw due to American pressure, as this gas
pipeline became a casualty of tensions between the US and Iran. Although Iran
had completed section of the pipeline from its side, Pakistan could not
construct the much-needed portion of the pipeline on its side due to the UN
sanctions. After removal of sanction, Pakistani Government looking forward to
complete its home section.
After being operational, IP would supply up to 750 MMcfd (Million meter cube of
Gas daily) to Pakistan, which will give another life to Pakistani industry
sector. As hundreds of industries face shortages of energy. The project will
support around 4,000 MW power generation capacity, which will help in overcoming
the crippling power shortage crisis. The construction of pipeline will also
create job opportunities in backward areas of Baluchistan and Sindh. Pakistan
also can earn transit fee if the pipeline is extended to third country (India or
china).
As new economic opportunities have opened after the removal of sanctions on
Iran, as a result of joint Comprehensive Plan of Action between P5+1 (namely
China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States; plus Germany)
and Iran. Both countries are members of ECO which is second largest organization
on economic basics and by area its world largest economic organization. Pakistan
and Iran can boast up they exports through ECO to the other members. Pakistan
can exports Textile, Agriculture, Sports and surgical goods to other ECO members
while Iran may exports Oil and Oil products, Electric appliances to other
members.
Also Pak-Iran bilateral trade now can boast up after removal of sanctions, the
Iranian requirements of Pakistani textile products including T-Shirts, Denim
Jeans and Home Textiles are very high. There is also a great demand for meat
therefore Pakistani meat exporters should avail this opportunity. Pakistan is
already exporting meat to Iran. Dairy sector can be another area to be explored
for this purpose.
There is very much need of increasing no of daily fights between Islamabad,
Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz. National and
private airline sector of both countries should collaborate to build air
connection and frequent fights enable businessman to travel easily. Road and
railway links are also needed to improve between neighboring countries. Gwadar
and Chahbahar can provide an opportunity of direct shipping between Iran and
Pakistan so that shipping of goods can be handle in very less time.