Pakistan-Iran Relations

Foundations

Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after independence (1947)
Shared ~900+ km border (Balochistan-Sistan/Baluchestan), cultural/religious ties, historic membership in CENTO/RCD (Cold War-era regional pacts)

Trade: significant informal/border trade (barter trade at Taftan, Gabd-Reemdan); formal trade volume remains below potential due to US sanctions on Iran limiting banking channels
Energy: Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline ("Peace Pipeline") — Iran completed its side; Pakistan's portion stalled for years due to US sanctions fear/financing issues — recurring bilateral friction point
Security cooperation: joint border management mechanisms, periodic security coordination against militant groups operating across the border (Jaish al-Adl on Iran side, Baloch separatists/TTP-linked groups on Pakistan side)

Border security incidents — January 2024 saw a serious escalation: Iran conducted missile/drone strikes inside Pakistani Balochistan (targeting alleged Jaish al-Adl bases), Pakistan retaliated with strikes inside Iranian territory (targeting Baloch separatist camps) — rare direct military exchange between the two, though quickly de-escalated diplomatically
Both sides accuse the other of allowing militants to use their territory as safe haven
US sanctions on Iran constrain Pakistan's ability to deepen economic ties (gas pipeline, banking) without risking its own relations with US/Gulf partners

Pakistan carefully balances Iran ties against its stronger relations with Saudi Arabia/Gulf states (Sunni-Shia regional rivalry considerations)
Both share interest in Afghan stability and countering ISKP presence
Iran supportive of Pakistan's stance on Kashmir at rhetorical level; both cooperate at OIC on Palestine

Resolve gas pipeline impasse through sanctions waivers or alternative financing
Institutionalize border security coordination to prevent repeat of Jan 2024-style escalation
Expand formal trade/banking channels despite sanctions constraints