Pakistan–Iran Ties: Old Roots, New Roads

Shazia Mehboob

Islamabad: In a global landscape marked by shifting alliances and transactional diplomacy, the Islamabad–Tehran relationship continues to stand as a rare and principled example of regional cooperation, firmly rooted in history, faith, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future.

When Pakistan emerged as a sovereign state in August 1947, Iran was the first country to recognize its independence. Decades later, during Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, Pakistan returned the gesture by being among the first to acknowledge the new Islamic Republic. 

These acts of early diplomatic recognition were more than just symbolic—they were the foundation of a bilateral relationship shaped by intertwined cultures and overlapping regional interests.

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Bilateral visits have played a vital role in deepening this relationship over time. In 1986, Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei’s visit to Islamabad and Lahore underscored Tehran’s commitment to unity with Pakistan, even during domestic upheaval. 

The 1990s saw President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani revive bilateral trust and introduce ambitious proposals, such as a transnational gas pipeline linking Iran’s vast energy reserves to Pakistan’s growing market.

Though the pipeline’s future remains uncertain—largely due to external sanctions—it hasn’t strained relations. In fact, Pakistan–Iran ties are currently at a historic high, bolstered by shared strategic goals and mutual respect.

President Mohammad Khatami’s 2002 visit emphasized cultural and scientific collaboration, particularly around Afghan stability. Then came President Hassan Rouhani’s landmark 2016 trip following Iran’s nuclear deal, which led to key agreements in banking, aviation, health, and trade—marking Iran’s re-entry into global commerce.

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That momentum was revitalized in April 2024 when President Ebrahim Raisi signed eight major agreements with Pakistan in agriculture, security, and cultural cooperation. Most notably, it reignited serious discussions around the long-stalled gas pipeline project.

This upward trajectory reached a new high during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s August 2025 visit to Islamabad. The visit delivered $10 billion worth of agreements and MoUs, focusing on border security, cross-border trade, and joint diplomatic advocacy on issues such as Palestine and Kashmir.

But this visit was about more than just trade and treaties. It carried the weight of Pakistan’s unwavering support for Iran during its conflict with Israel—a gesture acknowledged and appreciated by Iran’s leadership and public alike. The warmth, sincerity, and strategic depth of this engagement arguably surpassed any prior diplomatic visit, resonating with genuine brotherhood and mutual affection.

The 900-kilometre-long border between the two countries demands vigilance. Over the years, Iran and Pakistan have steadily strengthened joint security initiatives, including intelligence sharing, counterterrorism cooperation, and anti-narcotics efforts. 

Regular naval exercises in the Arabian Sea and coordinated military training along the border reflect a growing interoperability between their forces.

Historically, Iran has supported Pakistan with military hardware and logistics during conflicts with India—underlining a level of strategic trust that is rare in the region. Today, that trust is evolving into a robust security framework to meet emerging regional threats.

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Few projects symbolize the strategic importance of Pakistan–Iran cooperation as clearly as the Iran–Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline. Initially envisioned in 2010, the pipeline was meant to be a lifeline for Pakistan’s energy needs. While Iran completed its segment in Sistan-Baluchestan, Pakistan was hampered by international sanctions. 

However, in early 2024, Pakistan resumed construction on a shorter section—signaling renewed commitment to energy collaboration.

In addition to gas, Iran supplies electricity to Pakistan’s energy-starved border areas, including Gwadar. Meanwhile, new plans for border marketplaces and customs zones—particularly in Taftan and Mand—promise to uplift local economies and institutionalize bilateral trade.

Diplomatically, the two countries have consistently backed one another in international forums. Pakistan has defended Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy at the UN, while Iran has been a vocal supporter of Pakistan’s position on Kashmir. 

At the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), their coordinated statements have enhanced their regional clout and solidarity on humanitarian crises.

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Cultural and religious ties remain one of the strongest foundations of the Pakistan–Iran relationship. Persian influences are embedded in Pakistani literature, poetry, and music—even in the national anthem, which includes Farsi verses. 

Every year, thousands of Pakistani Shia pilgrims visit the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad. Iranian cultural centers in Pakistan continue to promote Persian language, arts, and literature—keeping alive a people-to-people connection that transcends politics.

With President Pezeshkian’s historic visit still fresh, both Islamabad and Tehran now face the challenge of translating this goodwill into tangible gains. Priority areas include operationalizing the gas pipeline, developing cross-border trade zones, expanding religious and cultural tourism, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation.

As the region navigates uncertainty and shifting alliances, the Pakistan–Iran relationship stands as a blueprint for durable, principle-based diplomacy—one that draws strength from the past while boldly charting a shared path to the future.

Shazia Mehboob is a PhD scholar and a visiting faculty member. She is also a freelance journalist and the founder of The PenPK.com. She tweets @thepenpk.