Chowrangi

The relationships between Iran and Pakistan are very deep-rooted and go a long way back. Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after independence and they have supported many stands of Pakistan. Though in recent years, first due to sectarianism, and then due to the post 9/11 events, their seems to be a diplomatic ice covering the mutual nexus between the two countries. The mounting pressure of US on Iran regarding its nuclear program has also put Iran in a situation, where it needs every support it could muster around the world.

Pakistan is no different. In these testing times, when despite of becoming the front line ally of US in war against terrorism, Pakistan is very wary of the fact that US is striking a nuclear pact with India, and is playing a major role in strengthening Indian economy. Pakistan is also suffering from internal instability and facing a plethora of suicide bombings and bomb blasts due to its on going fights against Taliban in the tribal belt bordering with Afghanistan. Due to the booming population and increasing energy requirements, Pakistan also needed energy resources, but it was unable to acquire the attention of US in this regards, despite of working for it.

Now Iran has taken a bold step and is offering Pakistan gas for diplomatic support in its nuclear issue, which is taking a new turn especially after the latest exchange of remarks between US President Bush and its Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, during the UN National Assembly session. Pakistan-Iran gas agreement would indeed be a strategic bilateral pact, and would benefit Pakistan a lot. Pakistan could diplomatically support Iran’s point of view of using the nuclear capability just for civil purposes to fulfill its energy requirements, which should be the right of every nation. Nobody has the right to declare anybody a rogue or irresponsible. This is against the basic rights of the nations.

The proposed agreement between the brotherly Muslim states would chiefly be encompassing ways and means catering to the two countries’ energy needs ranging from nuclear power for peaceful usage to hydrocarbons. This pact would also provide for a sort of barter of both oil and gas and diplomatic support to Iran’s nuclear right, between the two countries. When US has the right and liberty to strike a nuclear pact with Indians, who have the history of aggression against its neighbours, then Paksitan and Iran have also got the right to take measures to fullfil their energy needs.

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