Ch Nisar’s delicate touch
That Pakistan would have concerns about any country its enemies use to destabilise it is understandable. And since the Indian spy coughed up Iran a number of times as RAW’s sanctuary and point of entry into Balochistan, Islamabad approaching Tehran concerning the matter is natural. But it is not just what is said that matters in international relations, rather how it is said. And since the interior ministry was charged, for some reason, to approach Iran, the contents of the letter are proof enough, if any was needed, of Ch Nisar’s limited understanding of diplomatic norms.
It is, after all, natural for spy networks to be planted across regions. And unless Ch Nisar is privy to some very sensitive information that has eluded everybody else, it is unlikely that RAW had registered with relevant authorities in Chahbahar before setting up shop. The language of Pakistan’s letter, as rightly noted in Iran, was ‘undignified’ and betrayed a stark disregard for established norms. Then, to make matters worse, the contents of the correspondence were leaked to the local media. And, of course, nobody saw any reason to consult with the foreign office – which is the formal route – before letting the Iranians know how some people in the interior ministry were feeling.
Perhaps the government needs reminding of the historical ties between Islamabad and Tehran. Iran was, after all, the first country to recognise our Islamic Republic after partition. And, at least till the Shah reigned, they took care of our energy as well as artillery needs. Things have been a little more complicated since we’ve always had to maintain a painful diplomatic balance between Saudi Arabia and Iran since the latter’s revolution. But Iran is still best positioned, along with China, to engage in mutually beneficial trade, etc, with Pakistan. Hopefully we will not let a few people’s ignorance get in the way of pragmatic thinking.