Iran and border security

Author: Daily Times

Prime Minister Imran Khan needs to urgently switch his attention from Riyadh to Tehran. At least when it comes to border security. After all, last week terror group Jaish-ul-Adl (Army of Justice) kidnapped some 12 soldiers from along the Sistan Baluchestan border with Pakistan. And now Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has confirmed the names and number of abducted forces first proffered by the outfit.

Thus far, the Iranians have abided by diplomatic norms; unlike other neighbours. Meaning that top of the agenda are calls for Islamabad to beef up border security; alongside offers to supplement these efforts. Yet Tehran is adamant that it is up to Pakistan to return the troops who are now being held on its soil. This is a fair call and the civil-military leadership must do the needful.

That being said, even as it does this, Islamabad must tread carefully. For in the wake of the latest incursion, Iran has been quick to point out that there have been 50 such ‘infiltrations’ in the last year alone. There has also been talk of a foreign intelligence agency being involved. And although Tehran has not publicly named it — the prime suspect is Saudi Arabia. Thus Pakistan’s most urgent priority is to counter even the remotest possibility of having the two Middle Eastern nations extend their ongoing proxy war over here. Already this country is struggling to secure borders with Afghanistan and India. This is to say nothing of the question of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) safe-havens across the western front; or the matter of reported Indian funding. The regional presence of the US, China and Russia only risks exacerbating the situation if the worst were to happen.

Thus Pakistan must act to flush out any Iranian terror networks on this side of the border. Linked to this is accepting logistical help from Tehran where needed. Including proof of indirectly alleged Saudi involvement. For the Khan government will have to engage in honest dialogue with Riyadh. Particularly given that the latter will have a presence of sorts in Balochistan now that the Kingdom has agreed to build an oil refinery in the strategically located deep port city of Gwadar. In short, the Centre must stop viewing the bilateral relationship with the Kingdom through the begging-bowl lens.  *

Published in Daily Times, October 23rd 2018.

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Pakistan

Charting the AI Revolution: Pakistan’s Vision for Technological Sovereignty and Economic Growth

In the intricate tapestry of Pakistan’s journey towards technological and economic renaissance, the insights of…

3 hours ago
  • Sindh

Sindh: Senate elections, final list of candidates released

Sindh: Senate elections, final list of candidates released The Election Commission of Sindh has released…

3 hours ago
  • Top Stories

The Federal Cabinet approved the inclusion of 24 names in the ECL

The Federal Cabinet approved the inclusion of 24 names in the ECL The federal cabinet…

3 hours ago
  • Pakistan

ISPR Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan, Vows Joint Action with China Against Terrorism

The recent incidents of terrorism in Pakistan, notably in Gwadar, Turbat, and Besham, are dastardly…

3 hours ago
  • Business

Pakistan Stock Exchange: Index hits new high of 67,208

Pakistan Stock Exchange: Index hits new high of 67,208 The Pakistan Stock Exchange 100 index…

5 hours ago
  • International

America and its allies are afraid of a big and strong Russia: Putin

America and its allies are afraid of a big and strong Russia: Putin Russian President…

5 hours ago