An Assignment for BBA(Hons) Subject: Pakistan Studies

1. 1
Pakistan Studies
Prepared by: University of Sindh Laar Campus Badin
Seetal Daas (BBA-2k13)
(seetal.daas@gmail.com)
PAK-IRAN RELATIONS
After Pakistan gained its independence in August 1947, Iran was the first country to recognize
its sovereign status. Nevertheless, economic and trade relations continued to expand in both
absolute and relative terms, leading to the signing of a Free Trade Agreement between the two
countries in 1999. Both countries are founding members of the Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO). At present, both countries are cooperating and forming alliances in a
number of areas of mutual interest, such as fighting the drug trade along their common border
and combating the Balochistan insurgency along their border. Iran has expressed an interest
joining the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Relations during the Cold War
Iran maintained close relations with Pakistan during much of the Cold War. Iran was the first
country to recognise Pakistan as an independent state, and the Shah of Iran was the first head
of state to come on a state visit to Pakistan (in March 1950). Since 1947, Mohammad Ali
Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, had successfully advocated a policy of fostering cordial
relations with Iran in particular and the Muslim world in general. Despite Shia-Sunni divisions,
Islamic identity became an important factor in shaping Iranian–Pakistani relations, especially
after the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
In May 1950, a treaty of friendship was signed by Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan and the
Shah of Iran. Some of the clauses of the treaty of friendship had wider geopolitical significance.
After the suspension of United States military aid to Pakistan, Iran was reported to have
purchased ninety Sabre jet fighter planes from West Germany, and to have sent them on to
Pakistan.
When widespread armed insurgency broke out in Pakistan's Balochistan Province in 1973, Iran,
fearing the insurgency might spill over into its own Balochistan Province, offered large-scale
support
In July 1977, following political agitation by an opposition alliance, Bhutto was forced out of
office in a military coup d'état.The new military government, under General Zia-ul-Haq, was
ideologically ultraconservative and Islamically oriented in its nature and approach.
Pakistani support for Iran during the Iran–Iraq war
While Pakistan remained neutral during the Iran-Iraq War, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's
attempts to export the Iranian revolution fueled tensions between Pakistan's Sunnis and Shias.
The militancy of Shia inspired by revolutionary Iran left many Pakistani Sunni feeling deeply
threatened. President Zia, despite his pro-Saudi and anti-Shia sentiments, had to manage his
country's security carefully, knowing that Pakistan risked being dragged into a war with its
closest neighbor because of its alliance with the United States. In support of the Gulf
Cooperation Council, formed in 1981, around 40,000 personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces
were stationed in Saudi Arabia to reinforce the internal and external security of the region.
Although high-ranking members of Pakistan Armed Forces strongly objected to the killing of
Shia pilgrims in the 1987 Mecca incident in Saudi Arabia, Zia did not issue any orders to
Pakistan Armed Forces-Arab Contingent Forces to engage any country militarily. Many

2. 2
Pakistan Studies
Prepared by: University of Sindh Laar Campus Badin
Seetal Daas (BBA-2k13)
(seetal.daas@gmail.com)
Stinger missiles shipped to Pakistan for use by Afghan mujahideen were instead sold to Iran,
which proved to be a defining factor for Iran in the Tanker war.
Soviet integration and Afghan civil war
In December 1979, the Soviet Union invaded fragile Socialist Afghanistan to protect its
interests in Central Asia and as response to American dominance in the Middle East, in notably
Israel, Iran, and many Arab states. In 1980, the Iraqi attack on Iran, and subsequent Soviet
support for Iraq, improved Iranian ties with Pakistan. Pakistan focused its covert support on
the sectarian Pashtun groups while Iran largely supported the Tajik groups, though they all
fought as Afghan mujahideen.
Bilateral and Multilateral visits in the late 1990s
In 1995, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto paid a state visit to Iran to lay the groundwork for a
memorandum on energy, and begin work on an Energy security agreement between the two
countries. This was followed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to Tehran for the 8th OIC
Summit Conference on 9–11 December 1997. While there, Sharif held talks with President
Khatami, with a view to improving bilateral relations, as well as finding a solution to the
Afghan crisis.
Relations since 2000
Since 2000, relations between Iran and Pakistan have begun to normalize, and economic
cooperation has strengthened. The 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States changed the
foreign policy priorities of both Iran and Pakistan. The George W. Bush administration's tough
stance forced President Pervez Musharraf to support Washington's War on Terror, which ended
Taliban rule in Kabul. Though Iranian officials welcomed the move, they soon found
themselves encircled by U.S. forces in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Persian
Gulf.
Military and security
Iranian support for Pakistan dates back to the 1960s when Iran supplied Pakistan with American
military weaponry and spare parts after America cut off their military aid to Pakistan. After
1971 Indo-Pakistani War, new Prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto immediately withdrew
Pakistan from CENTO and SEATO after Bhutto thought that the military alliances failed to
protect or appropriately assist Pakistan and instead alienated the Soviet Union. A serious
military cooperation between took place during the Balochistan insurgency phases against the
armed separatist movement in 1974–77. Around ~100,000 Pakistan and Iranian troops were
involved in quelling the separatist organisations in Balochistan and successfully put the
resistance down in 1978–80. In May 2014, the two countries agreed to joint operations against
terrorists and drug traffickers in the border regions. In May 2016, Iran warned Pakistan of cross
border military action if Pakistan did not rein in militants operating against Iran from its soil.
Trade and Economics-Free Trade Agreement
In 2005, Iran and Pakistan had conducted US$500 million of trade. The land border at Taftan
is the conduit for trade in electricity and oil. Iran is extending its railway network towards
Taftan.

3. 3
Pakistan Studies
Prepared by: University of Sindh Laar Campus Badin
Seetal Daas (BBA-2k13)
(seetal.daas@gmail.com)
The Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline (IPI Pipeline) is currently under discussion; though India
backed out from the project. The Indian government was under pressure by the United States
against the IPI pipeline project, and appears to have heeded American policy after India and
the United States proceeded to sign the nuclear deal. In addition, the international sanctions on
Iran due to its controversial nuclear program could also become a factor in derailing IPI
pipeline project altogether.
Trade between the two countries has increased by £1.4 billion in 2009. In 2007-08, annual
Pakistan merchandise trade with Iran consisted of $256 million in imports and $218.6 million
in export, according to WTO.
Energy: Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline
Discussions between the governments of Iran and Pakistan started in 1994 for the gas pipelines
and energy security. A preliminary agreement was signed in 1995 by Prime Minister Benazir
Bhutto and Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, in which, this agreement foresaw
construction of a pipeline from South–North Pars gas field to Karachi in Pakistan. Later, Iran
made a proposal to extend the pipeline from Pakistan into India. In February 1999, a
preliminary agreement between Iran and India was signed.
Iran has the world's second largest gas reserves, after Russia, but has been trying to develop its
oil and gas resources for years, due to sanctions by the West
Power Transmissions
Tehran has provided €50 million for laying of 170Km transmission line for the import of
1000MW of electricity from Iran in 2009. Pakistan is already importing 34MW of electricity
daily from Iran. The imported electricity is much cheaper than the electricity produced by the
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) because Iran subsidises oil and gas which feed the power
plants. Iran has also offered to construct a motorway between Iran and Pakistan connecting the
two countries.

4. 4
Pakistan Studies
Prepared by: University of Sindh Laar Campus Badin
Seetal Daas (BBA-2k13)
(seetal.daas@gmail.com)
PAK-TURKEY RELATIONS
Pakistan has an embassy in Ankara, a Consulate-General in Istanbul and an honorary consulate
in Izmir whereas, Turkey has an embassy in Islamabad, a Consulate-General in Karachi and
honorary consulates in Lahore, Peshawar, Sialkot and Faisalabad. As of 2016, in a joint
communique, Pakistan and Turkey plan to strengthen their close ties into a "strategic
partnership".
Relations date back generations before the establishment of the two states, more precisely
during the Turkish War of Independence when the Muslims of the northwestern British Raj
sent financial aid to the declining Ottoman Empire, which was followed by the formation of
the Turkish Republic and the Independence of Pakistan. As a result, Pakistan and Pakistanis
have enjoyed a positive perception in Turkey and amongst Turks for many decades. Pakistan
and Turkey enjoy close cultural, historical and military relations which are now expanding into
deepening economic relations as both countries seek to develop their economies.
Development of bilateral relations
Turkey established diplomatic relations soon after the independence of Pakistan in 1947 and
bilateral relations became increasingly close owing to cultural, religious and geopolitical links
between the two countries. Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah expressed admiration for
Turkey's founding leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and also a desire to develop Pakistan on the
Turkish model of modernism. Similarly, Pakistan would follow the footstep of Muhammad Ali
Jinnah and Allama Iqbal to develop a modern Islamic Pakistan and all other so-called are
rejected by people of Pakistan. Similar ideas were expressed by the former President of
Pakistan Pervez Musharraf, who grew up in Turkey and had received extensive military
training there. Jinnah is honoured as a great leader in Turkey, and a major road of the Turkish
capital Ankara, the Cinnah Caddesi is named after him, while roads in Islamabad, Karachi,
Lahore, Peshawar, and Larkana are named after Atatürk. On 26 October 2009, Recep Tayyip
Erdoğan was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan and was the fourth world leader who spoke to the
Pakistani parliament.
Trade
The Abdullah Gul Interchange near Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, this
interchange was inaugurated by the Turkish President Abdullah Gul during his visit to Lahore
in 2010.
Turkey and Pakistan are founding members of the Economic Cooperation Organization and
part of the Developing 8 Countries (D-8) organization. Both nations have worked to negotiate
a preferential trading agreement, aiming to considerably increase trade and investments,
especially in transport, telecommunications, manufacturing, tourism and other industries. Both
governments have sought to increase the volume of bilateral trade from $690 million to more
than $1 billion by 2010. Pakistani exports include rice, sesame seeds, leather, textiles, fabrics,
sports goods, and medical equipment. Turkey's exports to Pakistan include wheat, chickpeas,
lentils, diesel, chemicals, transport vehicles, machinery and energy products. Turkish private
corporations have also invested significantly in industrial and construction projects developing
highways, pipelines and canals. The two countries are negotiating the Turkey-Pakistan Free
Trade Agreement.

5. 5
Pakistan Studies
Prepared by: University of Sindh Laar Campus Badin
Seetal Daas (BBA-2k13)
(seetal.daas@gmail.com)
Train service
A container train service was launched by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousuf Raza Gilani
between Islamabad and Istanbul on 14 August 2009. The first train carried 20 containers with
a capacity of around 750 t (738 long tons; 827 short tons) and will travel 6,500 km (4,000 mi)
from Islamabad, through Balochistan and Tehran, Iran and on to Istanbul in two weeks' time.
According to the Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, after the trial of the container
train service, a passenger train will be launched. There are also hopes the route will eventually
provide a link to Europe and Central Asia, and carry passengers.
Strategic ties
Both nations were part of Cold War alliance called the Central Treaty Organization. Its goal
was to contain the Soviet Union (USSR) by having a line of strong states along the USSR's
southern frontiers. Military contacts remain resolute, uncompromising and stalwart as ever.
Kashmir conflict
The Turkish ambassador spent a week in Pakistani Kashmir's capital city of Muzaffarabad to
express solidarity with the Kashmir cause. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a
"multilateral dialogue" between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue.
Security Relations
Pakistan and Turkey have maintained long-standing military ties with Turkey also providing
training to Pakistani air force officers in upgrading its F-16 fleet. On 2 April 1954, Pakistan
and Turkey signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation. Both countries, valued as important
states in their regions, joined the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) aimed to bolster
military and strategic cooperation and counter the spread of communism and Soviet influence
in the region. Turkey has openly supported Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir conflict. Ankara,
further, recognizes Jammu and Kashmir, as part of Pakistan, with which it endeavours to 'spice
up' bilateral relations, and the Turkish ambassador to Pakistan spent nearly a week in
Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir (Pakistani Administrated Kashmir), in order to
show Turkish solidarity with the Pakistanis in regards to Kashmir and maintained political and
military support during its wars with India. Pakistan has reciprocated by expressing support for
Turkey's policy on Northern Cyprus. Both nations have sought to expand cooperation to fight
terrorism. Both countries are also members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Aid Exchange
In the aftermath of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, Turkey stepped up its efforts to help the
Pakistani people of the affected areas. Turkey announced a package of $150 million for the
quake-hit people. The Turkish aid organization Kizilay also constructed a mosque in
Pakistans Azad Kashmir region bordering Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir. The
mosque is being built in the Ottoman Style in Pakistan's Bagh District.
Pakistan supplied Turkey with aid during the 1999 earthquake and during the 2011 Van
earthquake.

6. 6
Pakistan Studies
Prepared by: University of Sindh Laar Campus Badin
Seetal Daas (BBA-2k13)
(seetal.daas@gmail.com)
Opposing ambitions
Both Turkey and Pakistan at times have had conflicting interests and ambitions. During the
Afghan civil war, Turkey became a strong supporter of the Northern Alliance, as it partly
consisted of Uzbek and Turkmen members, with which Turkey shares cultural and linguistic
ties. Pakistan meanwhile maintained strong relations and support to the Taliban whom were
ethnic Pashtuns (related to Kurds in which Turkey is against) that have ethnic ties to Pakistan's
own Pashtun population as well prevent Pakistan's fears of Afghanistan falling into the control
of the Northern Alliance whom were supported by Pakistan's various adversaries, including
India.
This changed in late 2001 when Pakistan was under international pressure to abolish all its ties
with the Taliban and re-align with the United States and NATO in the so-called "War on
Terror" following the September 11 attacks in New York City and Washington DC which were
directly blamed on Al-Queda and indirectly on the Taliban for sheltering them. As a result, the
United States lifted all sanctions that were imposed on Pakistan following Pakistan's 1998
nuclear weapons tests.