After the signing of a nuclear agreement by Iran and world powers in Vienna on July 14, the doors have been opened for Iran to augment its relations with countries in Asia and the Middle East. Energy starved Pakistan needs to expand economic cooperation with Iran. The stalled Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project remained the main point of discussion. Iran has invested $ 2 billion on the completion of the pipeline on its side and is waiting for Pakistan to complete the project on its part. Iran is offering every possible help to Pakistan to have good relations. Islamabad should seize the opportunity because Pak-Iran trade relations have enormous potential. Pakistan should also take the initiative to further improve ties with Iran and reciprocate the Iranian goodwill. It should fully take benefit from the generous offers extended by Iran regarding the gas pipeline project and electricity trade agreements. Besides energy and gas projects, there are numerous opportunities to increase bilateral ties by establishing road and rail infrastructure in the border areas of both countries. Pakistan also needs to satisfy Iranian concerns regarding the poorly policed border areas in the context of Jundullah’s attacks inside Iran. Besides developing trade and economic cooperation, Iran is seeking to address its neighbours’ concerns and engage them for the resolution of regional issues, such as the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, and also for dealing with the threat from terrorist groups including Daesh. Cooperation among regional countries is the only way forward for prosperity and wellbeing of the people. It is definitely in the interests of Pakistan and Iran to have a better economic and trade relationship. Both neighbouring countries should stand by each other for the common good.
pk.shafaqna.com
