Tehran, Experts at a meeting organized by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) on January 18, 2024, stressed the importance of Iran and Pakistan mitigating their differences to prevent potential future conflicts that could destabilize the region. This call for action comes in the wake of recent escalations along Pakistan’s western frontier, which have raised concerns about regional stability.
According to Institute of Policy Studies, the meeting featured notable participants, including Khalid Rahman, chairman of IPS, security analyst Brigadier (r) Said Nazir, and Syed Abrar Hussain, Pakistan’s former ambassador to Afghanistan and vice chairman of IPS. The experts underscored the significance of Iran and Pakistan prioritizing rationality over emotions to strengthen their historical ties, cautioning that adversaries could exploit any disturbances in their relationship.
The attendees agreed on the legitimacy of Islamabad’s stance and urged Tehran to utilize diplomatic and political channels for addressing concerns. They highlighted the need for both nations to employ peaceful problem-solving mechanisms, recognizing the shared threat of terrorism and the importance of a collaborative strategic framework and security cooperation based on mutual trust.
The meeting acknowledged the warm relations historically maintained between Pakistan and Iran, despite internal and external sensitivities. The participants emphasized that any conflict between the two countries would divert global attention from significant issues like the war in Gaza, favoring Israel and its allies and potentially harming Middle Eastern peace and stability.
The speakers warned of the risks of escalating conflicts in the Middle East, particularly with Israeli aggression against Gaza, and the potential for such conflicts to spread to South Asia. They called for Iran and Pakistan to avoid miscalculations, engage in dialogue, and focus on resolving their issues, considering the socio-political fault lines within each country.
The experts also praised China’s role in the situation, highlighting Beijing’s potential as a stabilizing force in promoting peace and stability in South Asia. In his closing remarks, Khalid Rahman noted the maturity of Pakistan’s response to the situation, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace in the region.