Pak-Iran Evolving Ties.

Byline: Muhammad Asif Noor

As the countries of the Muslim world are about to have largest gathering of their unique forum of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Riyadh this week.

In the wake of ongoing stress and strains between Tehran and Washington, Jawad Zarif, Foreign Minister of Iran was on his recent urgent spree to different capitals of the regional countries including China, Japan, India and Turkmenistan before his presence in Islamabad to meet at the higher levels of civilian and military commands.

Amid the tension in the region and keeping in view Pakistan's formidable role in the geopolitics of the Persian Gulf where the South Asian nuclear armed Islamic country is finding a tough balance between Riyadh and Tehran. Presence of Iranian Foreign Minister before these important meetings of the regional stakeholders amidst the tense environment, is meant to convince Pakistan to play a constructive role in pushing or influencing Riyadh to soften its regional stance towards Iran. Lest not forget Pakistan's relations Saudi Arabia and their both being strong allies of USA.

The visit was also important to keep the backdoor diplomatic channels to be utilized to remove the tension and seek assistance from allies. Pakistan and Iran have developed a thaw in relations to build the synergies for evolution of their deep-rooted relations. Earlier Prime Minister Imran Khan was also in Tehran for talks with his counterparts and supreme leaders in Tehran. During this meeting there was several important confidence building measures were achieved between the two important neighboring countries wherein it was agreed to develop a joint rapid action force to help the surveillance in the borders for security reasons.

This step was proposed after the attack on Army personals in Baluchistanbordering Iran. At least a day before Prime Minster's departure to Tehran, Minister of Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that attackers were from the Iranian based Baluchi Terror organization.

where he stressed the need to curb cross border terrorism, do not permit saboteurs sabotage the regional peace and halt prosperity. Moreover, Quetta-Taftan railway track was also agreed to be built. This very proposal presents Iranian belief in Pakistani leadership's urge to maintain regional peace for mutual coexistence.

The fight against terrorism and extremist remained a centerpiece of PM Imran Khan's speech. There is constant existence of paranoia of mistrust...