Good neighbours   The News, Thursday, April 10, 2014 From Print Edition

Pakistan, like other countries, needs good ties with its neighbours. This is essential for stability in the region, and of course wider calm is tied in to stability in this country too. In this context, the faltering relations with Iran had come as bad news. The issue of the Pak-Iran gas pipeline, stretched over some 780 kilometres, has been one issue creating tension. Reports that Iran may be planning to abandon the project, in favour of a pipeline deal with Oman and India are disturbing as well, though the federal minister for petroleum and other senior officials have strenuously denied this. An agreement on the $7.5 billion project had been signed in early 2013 by the then PPP government, but while Iran has completed its relatively short segment of the pipeline, Pakistan has struggled to find funding due to US sanctions on Iran, with the prime minister stating the project will not go ahead. This has, of course, displeased Tehran. Still greater acrimony was created in recent weeks by the allegations that five Iranian border guards were abducted on the Pak-Iran border in February, apparently by a Sunni extremist group. Iran threatened to send troops into Pakistan over the issue. Four guards, and the body of one who was slain, were handed back this month to Tehran. Islamabad has denied the episode took place on its soil, but the controversy lingers on. The matter of our policy on Syria adds a yet further element of strain to the Pak-Iran equation.

Given all this, there is positive news that Iran’s parliament has adopted a bill that seeks to build cooperation with Pakistan, notably in the security sector, and to battle militancy and terrorism together. The incident in the restive Sistan-Balochistan and Balochistan border area makes it clear how important this is. The pleasant surprise delivered by the Iranian legislature is something to be welcomed. The passage of the law shows Iran recognises the need for cooperation. Both countries have a lot to gain from closer relations. The gesture of goodwill from the Tehran government indicates that it is willing to put unpleasantness aside and work towards this. Islamabad needs to see this as a priority too, and make its own efforts to ease tensions, such as those over the pipeline. It must keep its own interests at the centre of the picture, recognise there is a lot to be gained from working with Iran and possibly even re-consider if there is any way of keeping the pipeline project afloat given the benefits it would bring our energy-starved nation. The joint exercises planned by the navies of both nations indicate that the spirit of cooperation is there and needs to be built on. The positive action from Tehran’s legislature should be received with the appreciation it deserves, and any outstanding issues resolved, so that both countries can move towards building the peace our part of the world so badly needs.