Pak-Iran collaboration critical to mitigate security risks, harness mutual growth: VC-IPS

The stability of Pak-Iran relations holds much significance for regional dynamics. By prioritizing collaboration in mutually concerned areas, both countries can harness their respective strengths and resources to address common challenges and unlock new opportunities for shared growth and development.

This was said by Vice Chairman IPS Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain who was speaking on the theme of ‘Pakistan and its Western Frontiers’ at the ‘National Conference on Security and Foreign Policy’, jointly held by Sanober Institute (SI), The Millennium Universal College (TMUC), Islamabad, and Centre for Law and Security (CLAS) on January 17, 2024.

Ambassador Abrar Hussain emphasized that both neighboring countries can foster mutual benefits and contribute to regional stability by developing cooperation in three areas i.e. border security, energy, and trade. Enhanced cooperation in border management, intelligence sharing, and joint border patrols can help mitigate security risks. Moreover, Iran possesses vast reserves of natural gas, presenting an opportunity for Pakistan to meet its energy needs through imports. However, the challenge lies in navigating US sanctions on Iran, which restricts international transactions with the country. He further suggested that border markets with Iran should be expanded and creative ways should be found to source natural gas from Iran without getting affected by US sanctions. There is immense potential between the two countries to expand bilateral economic ties and diversify trade relations beyond traditional sectors, he stressed.