By Uzma Ehtasham
In a moment of heightened tension across the region, Pakistan and Iran have demonstrated the rare power of solidarity and shared strategic vision. The recent visit of Dr Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, to Islamabad was more than a diplomatic courtesy. It represented an affirmation of alignment between two neighbors whose histories, faith, and geography have long intertwined, yet whose relations have often been shaped by the pressures of regional rivalries. Larijani’s public expressions of gratitude for Pakistan’s moral and diplomatic support during Israel’s twelve-day assault on Gaza, combined with his declaration that “Pakistan’s victory is our victory,” underscore a deepening bond that goes beyond routine statecraft.
During his visit, Larijani met with the full spectrum of Pakistan’s leadership: President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The careful choreography of these meetings signals not only respect but recognition of the strategic importance each country places on the other. For Tehran, Pakistan’s stance during the Gaza crisis, publicly endorsed and operationally supported, offered a rare example of regional solidarity. For Islamabad, Iran’s acknowledgement of its efforts, alongside Tehran’s backing during Pakistan’s brief but tense confrontation with India in May, illustrates a convergence of interests that was previously aspirational rather than tangible.
The conversations in Islamabad were more than ceremonial; they reflected an ongoing momentum in bilateral ties. President Zardari highlighted the frequency and quality of exchanges between the capitals as a marker of positive progress, while Prime Minister Sharif reinforced the historical and fraternal dimensions of Pakistan-Iran relations. Both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation across multiple sectors, from trade and energy to security and cultural exchange, framing their relationship not merely as neighborly, but as essential to the stability of a broader, often fractious region. In a world where alliances can shift overnight, such declarations carry real weight, signaling both intent and expectation.
Yet the meetings were also an opportunity to confront enduring challenges. Iran’s Chabahar port, often discussed in regional strategic circles, has long been perceived by Islamabad as a potential lever for external interference, particularly by India. By strengthening bilateral ties, Pakistan seeks to neutralize such avenues, ensuring that its eastern and western frontiers are not arenas for proxy conflicts. Larijani’s visit, and the mutual assurances that emerged, reflect a shared understanding that regional security cannot be outsourced or compromised through unilateral maneuvers by outside powers. In practical terms, this alignment provides Pakistan with both a diplomatic shield and a potential operational partner in addressing threats that range from cross-border militancy to economic isolation.
The diplomatic warmth observed between Islamabad and Tehran contrasts sharply with Pakistan’s fraught relations with Kabul. Despite shared religion and cultural affinity, Afghanistan’s interim administration continues to harbor groups that directly threaten Pakistan’s stability, while aligning itself with actors whose policies often undermine regional peace. In this context, Iran’s support is more than symbolic. It represents a strategic choice by Pakistan to anchor itself alongside a neighbor that values collaboration over confrontation, coordination over competition. The moral dimension is equally significant: Pakistan’s assistance to Iran during the Israeli strikes, recognized in Tehran’s parliament, reinforces a sense of mutual responsibility that resonates beyond state-to-state politics. It sends a clear message to other actors in the region that alliances built on principle and pragmatism can be both credible and consequential.
Equally important is the emerging coherence on Afghanistan. Iran’s backing of Pakistan’s stance reflects an understanding that instability in Kabul has repercussions across the entire region. Both nations recognize that a neighbor unable or unwilling to contain armed groups will inevitably destabilize adjacent territories, drawing both Iran and Pakistan into cycles of retaliation and precautionary measures. By contrast, a collaborative approach allows for coordinated border management, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic pressure—tools far more effective than isolated interventions or rhetorical condemnation. In this light, the Pakistan-Iran alignment is not simply a bilateral affair; it is a stabilizing influence in a region too often characterized by unpredictability and proxy politics.
Yet the significance of this partnership extends beyond immediate security concerns. Economically, culturally, and politically, Pakistan and Iran are signaling a willingness to craft a shared vision for the future. Trade, energy collaboration, and infrastructure development can serve as tangible manifestations of trust, offering both nations a buffer against external economic pressures and a platform for regional leadership. For Islamabad, the dual recognition of Iran’s strategic and moral support elevates the importance of diplomacy that is proactive rather than reactive. It suggests that stability, once regarded as a function of contingency management, may now be pursued through deliberate, cooperative frameworks.
(The writer is a public health professional, journalist, and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
