Iran–Pakistan Relations: A Timeless Bond Rooted in History, Culture, and Regional Cooperation

Introduction

Iran was the first country in the world to recognize Pakistan as an independent nation. On August 14, 1947, the very day of Pakistan’s independence, Iran officially established diplomatic relations with the newborn state. This significant gesture laid the foundation for a decades-long relationship defined by mutual respect, shared values, and common regional interests.

Over the past 75 years, Iran–Pakistan relations have witnessed both cooperation and challenges. From Cold War alliances and support during wartime to differences over regional conflicts and recent efforts to enhance trade and connectivity, the journey of these two Muslim-majority neighbors offers valuable insights into South Asian and Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Iran’s Historic Recognition of Pakistan

One of the most notable facts in Pakistan’s early foreign relations is Iran’s prompt recognition of the country. Unlike other nations that waited to assess Pakistan’s stability or geopolitical relevance, Iran moved quickly and decisively to embrace the new Muslim nation.

This diplomatic move was not only symbolic but also strategic. Iran saw Pakistan as a natural ally—culturally, religiously, and geographically. The shared border, common Islamic identity, and mutual interests in regional affairs made early cooperation both logical and beneficial.

Shortly after recognition, both countries opened embassies in each other’s capitals, and official visits became frequent. Iran’s then-monarch, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, visited Pakistan multiple times in the 1950s and 60s, receiving warm receptions that reflected the deep goodwill between the peoples of both nations.

Cold War Alliances and Military Support

During the Cold War era, both Iran and Pakistan aligned themselves with Western-backed alliances, particularly under the umbrella of SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) and CENTO (Central Treaty Organization). These military alliances, backed by the United States, aimed to contain Soviet influence in the region.

Iran’s Support for Pakistan in Wars with India

Iran openly supported Pakistan during its conflicts with India—particularly in the 1965 and 1971 wars. Iranian leadership offered political and logistical support to Islamabad during times when many countries chose neutrality. This unwavering support earned Iran immense goodwill among the Pakistani populace.

In the 1971 Indo-Pak War, when East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) sought independence with Indian support, Iran provided Pakistan with military aid and expressed strong solidarity at international forums. Despite the outcome of the war, Iran’s backing remained firm

Strategic Cooperation During the Soviet-Afghan War

The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan marked another critical moment in Iran–Pakistan relations. Both nations, despite differing political ideologies—Iran being a newly formed Islamic Republic and Pakistan under military rule—joined hands to support Afghan Mujahideen fighters against the Soviet Union.

Iran, being a Shia-majority nation, mainly supported Shia factions, while Pakistan focused on Sunni groups. However, both countries coordinated their intelligence operations, logistical support, and refugee management during the war, sheltering millions of Afghan refugees and resisting the Soviet presence.

This period strengthened their strategic alignment and underscored their shared concern about foreign occupation in neighboring Islamic lands.

Challenges in the Relationship: Taliban and Sectarian Concerns

The 1990s brought a complex and tense chapter in Iran–Pakistan relations due to the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan. While Pakistan was one of the few countries to recognize and support the Taliban regime in Kabul, Iran remained strongly opposed, especially after Taliban fighters killed Iranian diplomats in Mazar-i-Sharif in 1998.

This incident nearly pushed Iran and the Taliban-supporting Pakistan to the brink of conflict. Sectarian tensions—primarily between Pakistan’s Sunni militant groups and Iran’s Shia regime—also heightened during this period.

Though the relationship became strained, diplomatic channels remained open, and both countries avoided any direct military confrontation. Recognizing the dangers of instability in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan eventually agreed to coordinate on the broader goals of peace and border security.

Post-9/11 Reset and Revival of Relations

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, global geopolitics shifted significantly. The US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, followed by the NATO-led war on terror, changed the dynamics of Iran–Pakistan relations once again.Country

Both nations saw the downfall of the Taliban as a shared opportunity to reduce regional instability and work towards mutual goals. While the United States exerted influence in the region, Iran and Pakistan took a pragmatic approach—focusing on border security, refugee management, and intelligence sharing.Country

High-level visits resumed in the early 2000s, and trade agreements began to take shape. Diplomatic relations, which had cooled in the late 1990s, warmed again in the 2000s, reflecting a shared vision of regional peace and economic growth.Country

Economic and Energy Cooperation in the Modern Era

In recent years, the focus of Iran–Pakistan relations has shifted toward economic cooperation, trade partnerships, and energy security.

The Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project

One of the most discussed bilateral projects is the Iran–Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline, also referred to as the “Peace Pipeline.” Designed to transport natural gas from Iran’s South Pars gas field to Pakistan, this project is seen as a solution to Pakistan’s chronic energy crisis.Country

However, progress on the pipeline has been slow and controversial, largely due to international sanctions on Iran. The United States has discouraged Pakistan from finalizing the deal, citing violations of sanctions. Still, both countries remain committed to completing the pipeline when political conditions permit.Country

Trade and Border Markets

Trade between Iran and Pakistan remains underdeveloped despite the potential. Iran is rich in oil, gas, fruits, and construction materials, while Pakistan exports textiles, surgical goods, and food products.Country

To improve bilateral trade, both countries have:Country

• Discussed barter trade agreementsCountry

• Opened border markets for local tradersvCountry

• Introduced plans for rail connectivity and road transport upgradesCountry

Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Ties

Beyond politics and economics, the Iran–Pakistan relationship is underpinned by deep cultural and religious connections. Both nations share a rich Islamic heritage, and Persian influence has deeply shaped Pakistani literature, education, and language.

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Shared Religious Values

While Iran is a Shia-majority country and Pakistan is predominantly Sunni, both nations respect each other’s religious practices. Iran is home to several important Shia shrines, and many Pakistani pilgrims travel annually to cities like Qom, Mashhad, and Tehran.

Likewise, Pakistani leaders have often paid tribute to Iranian Islamic scholars and martyrs, showing a level of religious diplomacy uncommon in many bilateral relationships.Country

Language and Arts

The Persian language has historically influenced Urdu, Pakistan’s national language. Many of Pakistan’s greatest poets, including Allama Iqbal, were inspired by Persian literature. Cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and religious commemorations are frequently exchanged between the two nations.Country

Iran’s Role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has opened new avenues for Iran–Pakistan cooperation.

Iran has expressed interest in joining CPEC, particularly through:

• Energy exports via pipeline or grid connections

• Integration of Chabahar Port with Gwadar Port

• Cross-border rail links

While Chabahar Port (Iran) and Gwadar Port (Pakistan) are sometimes seen as competitors, recent talks have focused on turning them into complementary hubs to boost regional trade, especially between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.Country

Security Cooperation and Border Management

The Iran–Pakistan border, stretching over 900 kilometers, has faced security challenges in recent decades. These include cross-border smuggling, militant infiltration, and sectarian violence.

Both nations have responded by:

• Increasing military patrols

• Constructing fences and watchtowers

• Setting up joint border committees

Iran has repeatedly urged Pakistan to act against Sunni militant groups operating near the border, while Pakistan has raised concerns about drug trafficking and insurgent movements. Despite occasional border skirmishes, both sides have largely prioritized dialogue and de-escalation.Country

Public Perception and Diplomatic Outlook

Among ordinary citizens of both countries, the perception of the other remains generally positive. Many Pakistanis admire Iran’s resilience in the face of sanctions and its contributions to Islamic scholarship. Likewise, Iranian scholars and citizens recognize Pakistan’s strategic importance in the Islamic world.

Frequent academic exchanges, religious delegations, and student scholarships help bridge gaps and build a sense of unity.

Diplomatically, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic. Iran and Pakistan recognize that peace, trade, and development in the region depend on mutual trust, communication, and economic cooperation.Country

Conclusion: A Bond Built on History and Hope

The Iran–Pakistan relationship stands out in South Asia and the Middle East as a complex but enduring alliance. From early diplomatic recognition in 1947 to cooperation during wars and a shared vision for regional prosperity, the bond has proven resilient.Country

While challenges persist—ranging from regional rivalries and sectarian divides to international sanctions and political shifts—the core of the relationship remains strong. With continued efforts in diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange, Iran and Pakistan have the potential to deepen their cooperation and shape a more peaceful and prosperous region.