Security cooperation

Pakistan has sent its strongest signal yet to Iran that it wishes to enhance at all levels the neighbourly bond and relationship with that country. This is the mission that Gen Qamar Bajwa, the chief of army staff, has embarked upon during his three-day visit to Iran. Given that the army chief himself is making a pitch for collaboration over regional peace and security is indicative of the seriousness with which Pakistan is treating these crunch issues with Iran. It is also the first time in more than two decades that the head of the country’s military has paid an official visit to Tehran.

The common border shared between the two neighbours stretches over an area of 900 kilometres and is a source of concern due to the presence of militants, drug traffickers and criminal gangs there. Over the course of his meetings Gen Qamar Bajwa has outlined the measures taken by his country to strengthen security along the border and thwart the nefarious designs of militant groups and people traffickers. A similar exercise is expected of Iran’s defence and security officials. Better security management can transform this frontier into a border of peace and friendship. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the two countries have agreed to take these proposals forward.

There are hurdles to achieving the objective of peace obviously but, as articulated by the army chief, the disputes between the two countries can be resolved through dialogue. The delegation-level talks held between the two sides this week would have viewed some of the irritants and underscored the need for cooperation in the context of emerging threats to regional security. Bilateral trade needs a greater push if the two countries are to achieve their short-term goals. Pakistan also needs to lure Iran into the arms of CPEC and neutralise the potential rivalry building between Gwadar and Chabahar ports.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 8^th, 2017.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.