Iran keen to develop a comprehensive relationship with Pakistan -

Islamabad/Tehran: – Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif recently visited Pakistan. Foreign Minister Zarif clarified that Iran was keen on building comprehensive relations with Pakistan. During his two-day visit, Zarif met Pakistan army chief General Bajwa and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister indicates that Pakistan has decided to leave the group led by Saudi and join the Iran-Turkey group.

Two days ago, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif visited Pakistan with a large delegation. Zarif met Pakistan army chief General Bajwa, followed by Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi after that. During the visit, the Iranian Foreign Minister discussed bilateral trade and military cooperation, with the Pakistan government and the army officials. In the last few years, cooperation was lagging between Iran and Pakistan. But the leaders of both countries agreed to increase the speed of cooperation and make it more comprehensive.

Against this background, the Iran-Pakistan pipeline will start again. Iran had completed the work on this project. But Pakistan had stopped work on the project, fearing US sanctions. But now, indications are, that Pakistan is going ahead to develop ties with Iran, without paying any heed to threats issued by the United States. At the same time, Pakistan media informed that the Afghan issue also was discussed between the leaders, from both the countries.

This is the second visit by Zarif to Pakistan, in the last six months. The previous Pakistan visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister was limited to the diplomatic level. But the Pakistani newspapers are pointing out that during this visit the Iranian Foreign Minister held talks even with Pakistan army chief General Bajwa. As per the Pakistani newspapers, the visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister is very important given the rapid change of scenarios in the sector.

There is a change of guard in the United States; Joe Biden will replace Anti-Iran President Donald Trump. Therefore, assuming that the US stand on Iran will become liberal, Pakistan has decided to join hands with Iran. But this development could generate an intense reaction from Saudi and other Gulf countries, under Saudi influence.

Saudi has demanded repayment of the loan of $2 billion from Pakistan. Whereas, the Pakistani media are threatening to stop military cooperation with Saudi. Till date, Pakistan has held the alliance with Iran back, at Saudi’s behest. But the Pakistani journalists and analysts are complaining that Saudi never took cognisance of this. At the same time, some people are frankly reminding the Imran Khan government that, as of today, Pakistan cannot cross Saudi. But it is clear from the visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister that Pakistan has decided to go against Saudi.