BACK in the sixties, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey were members of a regional group known as the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD). Since all three countries were connected by air, road and rail, there was immense potential for mutual growth.

Come the dictatorship of Gen. Ziaul Haq, the pact started to lose its importance as Pakistan did not want to annoy Saudi Arabia. Even during the Iran-Iraq war, Pakistan maintained a delicate balance between the belligerents and chose not to side with either. Meanwhile the RCD died its natural death.

Pakistan is surrounded by enemies. India to the east, and Afghanistan to the west. It was very natural for Pakistan to have a very cordial relationship with oil-rich Iran, as the latter always sided with Pakistan. Iran was the first Islamic country to recognise Pakistan. Iran’s moral and material support during the 1965 and 1971 wars with India is open knowledge.

Due to our lack of foresight in improving relations with Iran, India has grabbed the opportunity and is now Iran’s reliable partner.

The recent visit of army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa to Iran to mend relations is a step in the right direction. It would have been better had our foreign minister accompanied the army chief.

One hopes that better sense shall prevail and Pakistan further improves its relations with Iran.

Jaffar Naqvi

Lahore

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2017