Diplomacy Beyond Closed Doors
Kainat Fatima
Rawalpindi: Public diplomacy has evolved from being a pleasant add-on to foreign policy to becoming an integral component. Unlike classical diplomacy, which often takes place behind closed doors, public diplomacy occurs openly, engaging people through culture, education, media, and shared narratives. In today’s polarized world, it offers a vital way to build trust, dispel myths, and create a foundation for long-term alliances.
As an international relations student, I have observed that building relations between countries like Iran and Pakistan depends not only on the actions of their governments but also on how well the people of each country learn about and understand one another. This is where public diplomacy plays a crucial role.
Pakistan and Iran share more than just a geographical border. Our countries are connected through centuries of shared history, cultural heritage, religious beliefs, and linguistic ties. This relationship is deep, as reflected in Persian poetry and religious figures that resonate across borders. Yet despite this strong foundation, mistrust, opposing interests, and external pressures often limit the potential of our partnership.
Still, encouraging signs have begun to emerge. For instance, cultural exchange programs have introduced Iranian language courses at Pakistani universities, enabling younger generations to engage with Iran’s rich literary tradition.
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Iranian cultural centers such as Khana-e-Farhang in Lahore and Islamabad regularly organize art exhibitions, film screenings, and seminars that showcase the softer side of Iran. I was fortunate to attend one such cultural session, which was richly insightful and awakened me to aspects of Iran rarely discussed in political discourse.
Education has also been an important factor. Each year, many Pakistani students receive scholarships to study in Iran, mostly in fields like medicine, religious studies, and science. These students often return with a fairer and more informed view of Iranian society. Such exchanges not only facilitate knowledge transfer but also nurture long-term understanding and empathy.
Social media has become a new, informal platform for public diplomacy. Diplomatic representatives from both countries occasionally share friendly messages or words of encouragement on platforms like Twitter, especially during times of crisis such as earthquakes or political unrest. These seemingly simple gestures can have a profound impact on softening public perceptions.
However, public diplomacy faces challenges. The long-delayed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project is a key area of controversy. Iran has fulfilled its commitments, but Pakistan, under pressure from US sanctions, has been hesitant to proceed.
This has caused discontent and contributed to the perception that Pakistan’s foreign policy is sometimes constrained by external influences. Another hurdle is the negative portrayal of Iran in some Pakistani media, often fueled by sectarian differences or geopolitical rivalry. Such images have a stronger influence on public sentiment than official policies.
Iran’s expanding trade and energy cooperation with India has also raised concerns in Islamabad, making trust difficult to build. Furthermore, Pakistan’s geopolitical proximity to Saudi Arabia and Iran’s tense relations with Gulf states compel Islamabad to tread a fine line, especially as extra-regional powers seek to advance their interests.
If Iran and Pakistan truly wish to renew their relationship and reach its full potential, they must prioritize people-centered diplomacy.
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This requires expanding youth and educational exchanges beyond scholarships to include student exchange programs, research collaborations, and youth-led innovation initiatives that empower the next generation. Cross-border trade, tourism, and small business cooperation—particularly in border regions—can create tangible benefits, giving families a personal stake in peace and stability.
Governments, media, and influencers must also collaborate to counter disinformation and sectarian narratives by highlighting stories of cooperation, solidarity, and cultural affinity.
Religious tourism between the two countries can be diversified by including cultural festivals, food fairs, and artistic collaborations to offer broader experiences. Finally, bridging stereotypes through open debates, people-to-people forums, and online platforms that connect Pakistanis and Iranians directly can foster empathy and mutual understanding.
Public diplomacy cannot replace high-level policy decisions, but it can create an environment conducive to successful policy-making. It is less about forging alliances and more about nurturing empathy. Pakistan and Iran have strong reasons to invest in this endeavor.
As neighboring Muslim nations with common aspirations and challenges, we have the chance to move beyond political calculations. If we prioritize the interests and understanding of our people, we can begin a new chapter marked not only by consensus but by genuine mutual respect and cooperation.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
The author is an undergraduate student of IR at FJWU, Rawalpindi.
