Editor's Note.

Diplomatic ties between Iran and Pakistan have evolved over the past seven decades based on their shared geographical proximity, strategic, political and economic dimensions and interests. Both states witnessed the test of times, ups and downs, warmth and coldness, trust and mistrust as result of the world views of the successive regimes in both Tehran and Islamabad.

One important factor that has remained consistent in relations is the will and desire of the people of Pakistan and Iran for strong and cordial relations, no matter who so ever ruled the corridors of powers Glorious historical past, strong people to people ties, food, music, literature, culture, religious affinities and places of pilgrimage, language has made relations to reach at much higher level and beyond the usual state to state level connections.

End of Cold war and the return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Shiite spiritual leader, who has led the great Iranian revolution changing the nature of state from monarchy to Islamic Republic, remained as momentous and path defining events for both states. While Pakistan continued to drift towards the western camp and closer to the Saudi Arabia causing a tough balance in the Persian Gulf region especially with Iran.

On the other hand Iran with its own set of challenges at the domestic, regional and international level continued to balance its relations with Pakistan with regard to India and other regional and international actors. The world after 9/11 incidents has brought diverse set of challenges to both states, where Pakistan back the Taliban government which irked Iran while Iran's inclination towards India has made the annoyance in Islamabad.

However both states continued to remain engaged with high level visits including visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2014, while visit of President of Iran in 2017 apart from several of such moves in the history of relations. Two decades old "Peace Pipeline", project is meant to deliver one billion cubic feet/day of natural gas from Iranian gas fields to Pakistan.

Iran has completed the pipeline on its territory while Pakistan is falling short of its target. Pakistan with its higher demand of energy, the project is becoming crucial day by day. For Iran and Pakistan, despite facing several challenges, there is an urge to develop lasting and balanced approach in their relations. Keeping in view the glorious diplomatic past of Pakistan wherein a mediation role has been played in...