Moment of opportunity
President Rouhani’s visit to Pakistan should be the first of many such exchanges as Islamabad and Tehran set the tone for mutual ‘business’ after the latter emerges from international sanctions. Indeed, as the visiting president rightly pointed out, there is no limit to benefits that can come the way of both countries if they take advantage of this exchange. Iran, rich in oil and gas, can go a long way in solving our chronic energy problem. It is at the centre of our economic paralysis. Already the Iran-Pakistan pipeline window was lost because of the international environment. But now that the two countries are back at the table, they must make sure they do not let any outside influence interfere with the progress.
The start has been encouraging. One of the most telling sings was the two heads of states agreeing on increasing the number of crossings across the long borer. This will not only increase commerce and people-to-people exchange, but also encourage joint monitoring and security of border areas; something both countries can benefit from. The idea envisaging greater connectivity between Gwadar and Chabahar is also a winner. It should have been realised ages ago, like the pipeline and wider energy and trade cooperation, but for far too long we let political influences and great games dictate foreign as well as economic policy. As a result, we have to take the first baby steps now for projects that should have started delivering decades ago.
That, of course, is all the more reason that the new progress should be cherished and nurtured. Pakistan has not had the best history when it comes to getting along nicely with neighbours. Lately, though, there have been clear signs of policy revision; not just in Islamabad, but also in some of our neighbouring capitals. Hopefully a new pattern will strengthen in weeks and months to come, benefiting us not only politically and security wise, but also economically.
Gwadar is the jewel of the modern world due to its strategic importance. China and Russia have great interests as both will reap enormous benefits in future. Gwadar is not a small project just limited to roads and port developments. Gwadar will be developed as modern city with road links, train links airports, industries etc. Gwadar will create 15 million jobs in future. Dude to Chinese investments, real estate prices in Gwadar increased by 500% in 2015. Many new real estate projects in Gwadar can be seen under developments in different parts of Gwadar. http://ghar47.com/property-type/new-developments/ and http://ghar47.com/property-type/new-projects-in-g… provides the details of each real estate projects in Gwadar.
Gwadar will be developed like Dubai and Hong Kong. Gwadar will be business hub in future and also a major military base. But Pakistan also needs to have good ties with Iran. Iran can solve Pakistan's oil and Gas shortage problems and will solve Pakistani energy Crisis. Iran Gas pipeline is very important as many new built houses in Pakistan have no gas connections due to shortage of gas.
The most important project that must be activated forthwith, and relentlessly pursued despite the persistent reservations of Washington, is the pipeline. The recently created Security Division for providing safety to the CPEC, with some additional forces, should also be assigned the mission to ensure security of the Iran Pakistan Pipeline. The rest of the steps, though laudable, will take some time before their impact can be felt. On the contrary, the moment the first stone of the pipeline is laid, the longstanding misgivings between the the two neighbours would begin to disappear.
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