But where is the civilian input?
COAS Qamar Javed Bajwa’s three day visit to Iran concluded on an overall positive note with both countries agreeing to support each other “within the framework of strengthening regional security and stability” in addition to respecting each other’s territorial integrity.
Iran’s predominant grievance with Pakistan is ex-COAS General Raheel Sharif being allowed to serve as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Saudi-led Islamic Military Alliance. Naturally Iran takes exception to the formation of the IMA which consists of Sunni-only countries with Riyadh as its headquarters and is sceptical of its actual purpose.
What assurances Gen Bajwa has been able to give Iran remains unclear, perhaps an agreement that Pakistani soldiers will not form an active part of the alliance? Nevertheless, the visit has provided a much-needed thaw in uneasy relations with a strategically crucial neighbour. Multiple meetings were held between the COAS and Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan before Gen Bajwa’s departure as preparation.
US President Donald Trump has taken a harder line against Pakistan with the provocative inclusion of India as an important stakeholder in its latest Afghan policy while simultaneously aborting the Iran nuclear deal which was a tough fought win for the Obama administration. Both these strategic shifts under Trump make it all the more logical for Pakistan and Iran to bolster their relations and safeguard their respective interests.
Both countries also have legitimate concerns over border security that were discussed during the visit as well. Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav entered Pakistan via the Iranian border while Sunni militant groups are able to infiltrate Iran via Pakistan’s border and kill their soldiers – the latest incident took place in April this year when 10 Iranian border guards were killed. Cooperation leading to better border management will benefit both countries in protecting their respective territories.
That issues related to mutual relations are being discussed with the leadership of Iran and Afghanistan by Pakistan’s military chief rather than its civilian leaders is against the democratic norms and strengthens the perception of the army calling the shots which is not a good sign.
