Despite a history of ups and downs, Pakistan and Iran share a multifaceted and evolving relationship that is increasingly defined by regional dynamics, mutual interests, and strategic cooperation. While both countries have faced geopolitical challenges, they continue to work together in areas such as border security, trade, energy, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
In recent years, Pakistan has taken several steps to support Iran—directly and indirectly—despite pressure from the West and complicated relations with countries like Saudi Arabia and the United States.
1. Border Cooperation and Security Assistance
Pakistan and Iran share a 900-kilometer-long border, which has been historically vulnerable to smuggling, insurgency, and militant groups. In recent years, both countries have worked to strengthen border cooperation and maintain stability in this sensitive region.
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Joint patrols and border fencing: Pakistan has increased security presence and built fences along large stretches of the Iran-Pakistan border to curb illegal crossings and militant activity.
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Counter-terrorism cooperation: After facing cross-border attacks from militants, both nations have agreed to share intelligence and conduct joint efforts against extremist groups like Jaish al-Adl.
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Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies have held regular meetings with Iranian counterparts to ensure that both countries maintain peace along their border.
2. Economic and Trade Support
Trade between Pakistan and Iran has been restricted due to international sanctions on Iran, but both countries have sought creative ways to boost commerce.
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Barter trade agreements: In 2023, Pakistan and Iran launched a barter trade mechanism to exchange goods like rice, wheat, gas, oil, and electricity without using U.S. dollars or SWIFT-based banking, thus bypassing sanctions.
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Border markets: The two countries agreed to open joint border markets to facilitate legal trade, employment, and local economic growth in border provinces.
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Iranian electricity supply: Iran exports electricity to Pakistan’s Balochistan region, helping alleviate chronic power shortages in one of Pakistan’s most underdeveloped areas.
Despite challenges, bilateral trade is estimated to be over $2 billion, with the potential for much more if sanctions ease or alternative payment systems are expanded.
3. Diplomatic and Political Support
Pakistan maintains a neutral diplomatic stance on Iran’s global issues, often advocating for peaceful solutions and balanced engagement.
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Pakistan has supported diplomatic dialogue over military escalation, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program and its tensions with the West.
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Islamabad has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Iran’s inclusion in regional decision-making, especially regarding Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Islamic world affairs.
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Pakistan has offered to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia during periods of tension—most notably after the 2016 Riyadh-Tehran diplomatic breakdown.
4. Cultural and Religious Ties
As neighboring Muslim countries, Iran and Pakistan share deep religious and cultural connections.
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Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after its independence in 1947.
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The two nations maintain strong religious diplomacy, with a large population of Pakistani Shia Muslims having spiritual and academic ties with Iranian religious institutions.
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Cultural exchanges, student scholarships, and bilateral visits have continued even during political strains, keeping people-to-people links alive.
5. Regional Strategic Alignment
While Iran and Pakistan do not always align perfectly in foreign policy—especially due to Pakistan’s alliance with Saudi Arabia and involvement in the Gulf region—they increasingly share goals related to:
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Opposing Western military intervention in the Middle East and South Asia.
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Promoting regional stability, especially in Afghanistan.
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Building connectivity through regional trade corridors, like the extension of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and discussions on linking Iran’s Chabahar Port with Pakistan’s Gwadar Port for mutual benefit.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s support for Iran may not always be loud or direct, but it is real, significant, and growing. Through security cooperation, economic partnerships, cultural ties, and diplomatic engagement, Pakistan plays a balancing role in helping Iran navigate a complex regional and global landscape.
As both nations face shifting alliances, economic challenges, and shared security threats, Iran and Pakistan’s relationship is becoming more practical, cooperative, and essential for regional peace—even as it remains carefully managed in the shadow of global power politics.