Daily Times

Iran is effectively putting Pakistan on notice when it comes to border security. Underscoring how serious the matter is, Interior Minister Abdol-Reza Rahmani-Fazlih has said in no uncertain terms that his country is ready to carry out anti-terror operations here on this side. Being a friendly nation, however, Tehran added the caveat that this would only come to pass in the event of Islamabad giving the go-ahead; with any potential interventions conducted under the latter’s supervision.

The question of Iran-based terrorists infiltrating this country is an ongoing problem. There have also been concerns that foreign intelligence agents have crossed over from the Iranian side to conduct espionage against the state here; as the case of Indian national Khulbushan Jadhav appears to suggest. Thus it is in the national interest to take concrete action to prevent this from recurring. Similarly, foreign militants crossing over on to Pakistani soil represent a threat to sovereignty and must be recognised as such.

That being said, the civil-military leadership must send the firm message that no foreign combat forces will be entertained here. While gently reminding Tehran that such public statements to the contrary are ill-advised. After all, the Iranians understand better than most what it is to live in a hostile neighbourhood. This is important. Not least because Pakistan can ill-afford to be drawn into the ongoing Saudi-Iran proxy war. And all those involved must accept that this country will not become the latest battleground on this front. Particularly now that Riyadh is all set to construct an oil refinery in Gwadar.

Of course, this is not to suggest that there was anything untoward in Tehran’s offer. But it is to remind that this country is passing through turbulent times. On the regional front, the Centre sees little point in reaching out to India until after next year’s general elections in that country. And while this may not be an entirely pragmatic approach — it does not alter the fact that for the time being Islamabad and New Delhi remain belligerent neighbours. Across the western front, the Ghani government continues to accuse this country of sponsoring terrorism against Kabul even as Pakistan has formally invited it to join CPEC. And then there is the question of the US military presence across the Durand Line; which might be prompted to stage cross-border incursions to see what the Iranians are up to. Or else use the drones that continue to fly high above Pakistan’s skies to open up a new front in this not-so-clandestine war against militants. Thereby risking a blurring of distinctions between state and non-state actors.

A far better way to confront the cross-border terrorist threat will be to concentrate on strengthening intelligence sharing. After all, Iran and Pakistan have worked hard to reset the bilateral relationship under Gen Bajwa; with much progress having already been achieved. This needs to be built upon. Not undermined; however unintentional that may be. And yet again, we here at this newspaper would like to remind Prime Minister Imran Khan — who today is off to the UAE ahead of his visit to Malaysia later this week — that he cannot continue leading the country in this way. Not when he is always in a state of transit. He should have a sufficiently strong team around him to take the begging bowl by the lead. Thereby allowing him to get down to the business of governing. And this must mean keeping abreast of geo-strategic developments.  *

Published in Daily Times, November 18^th 2018.