Islamabad should contact USA at diplomatic level to tell the needs of independent Pakistan” this is the reaction from America on the recent visit of Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan.
It is a non diplomatic tone used by the USA as it looks more like a direction, then a request . This kind of tone is not usually used in diplomacy.
The US State Department’s spokesperson said in its reaction that it’s essential to highlight the depth and breadth of Pakistan-Iran relations and recognize the necessity for Washington’s involvement in Islamabad-Tehran relations.
When America and international organizations imposed various sanctions on Iran in response to Tehran’s atomic program, Pakistan became the intermediary for diplomatic messages between the two countries. According to reports, Washington, while reacting to Pakistan-Iran trade agreements, has advised Pakistan to be aware of potential risks from sanctions.
According to the US State Department, Washington considers Pakistan as one of its largest emerging markets, and for the past 20 years, Washington has been a significant investor in Pakistan. This reaction from Washington came just after three days, when sanctions were imposed on four companies for alleged cooperation and provision of material for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. Three Chinese and one Russian company are among those sanctioned.
According to the USA, the above mentioned companies provided equipment and assistance for the preparation of ballistic missiles, including long-range missiles, in Pakistan. Earlier, in October 2023, three Chinese companies were also sanctioned for their alleged involvement in providing parts and equipment for Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. Pakistan has rejected the political use of export control policy and stated that such sanctions have been imposed in the past without evidence, while many favored countries are exempted from providing advanced technology.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office should acknowledge this stance and emphasize the necessity of exchange of views between relevant groups regarding the offer of a voluntary mechanism to ensure access to technology for social and economic development. Regarding the trade relations with the neighboring country Iran, if legal channels for trade between neighboring countries are not established, smuggling and crimes increase.
Islamabad faces several issues, including terrorism, and its efforts are aimed at fostering friendly relations with neighbors, including India and Afghanistan. Pakistan faces the challenge of energy crisis, and in view of this, the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project commenced in March 2013. Iran has completed its part of the 900-kilometer-long line, but it has not yet reached Nawabshah in Pakistan.
If the pipeline is not completed within the specified period, Pakistan will face significant penalties under the agreement. Principally, there should be no objection to fulfilling Pakistan’s need for trade or energy from Iran. The current government should not only engage with America at the highest political and diplomatic levels but should also repeatedly convey through allied countries that projects like the gas pipeline with Iran are of particular importance for Pakistan’s economy.
America should consider Pakistan’s challenges and should provide assistance at the regional level, including increasing trade, to fulfill energy requirements in Pakistan.