Pakistan Iran Agreement: A Step Towards Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Pakistan and Iran recently signed a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening their bilateral ties. The agreement comes at a time when both countries are facing significant domestic and regional challenges.

The agreement covers a range of areas including trade, security, energy, and transportation. The two countries have agreed to enhance trade cooperation by removing trade barriers and boosting cross-border trade. Efforts will also be made to increase the volume of bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2021.

In the area of security, the agreement calls for greater cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Both countries have been victims of terrorism and have a shared interest in combating extremist groups. The agreement also provides for joint exercises between the two countries` armed forces.

Energy is another area of focus in the agreement. Iran has substantial reserves of natural gas and oil, while Pakistan suffers from a chronic energy shortage. Both countries have agreed to build a gas pipeline connecting Iran`s South Pars gas field to Pakistan`s southern Balochistan province.

The transportation sector is also covered in the agreement. The two countries have agreed to develop a rail link between Iran`s Chabahar port and Pakistan`s Gwadar port. The ports are strategically located and the link will provide a shorter trade route for goods from the Middle East to Central Asia.

The agreement is significant for both countries as it comes at a time when they face economic sanctions from the United States. The sanctions have severely affected Iran`s economy, while Pakistan is struggling with a balance of payments crisis.

The agreement is also important for regional stability. Pakistan and Iran have had a strained relationship in the past, with Pakistan being seen as a close ally of Iran`s regional rival, Saudi Arabia. The agreement provides an opportunity for both countries to set aside their differences and work towards a common goal.

The signing of the Pakistan Iran Agreement is a positive development for the region. It demonstrates that despite the challenges, countries can still come together to find solutions to their problems. The agreement has the potential to open up new opportunities for both countries and help strengthen their bilateral ties.