DT writer advises Pakistan to urge Saudis and US to mend ways with Iran

Pakistan government has been advised to take advantage of its significance and urge United States and Saudi monarchy to mend ways with Islamic Republic of Iran that is much important for security and economic stability of Pakistan itself.

Muhammad Usman Ghanchi, an electrical engineer made this suggestion in his March 18 article in Lahore-based newspaper Daily Times. He said Pakistan enjoys importance for KSA and USA hence it can urge the US and the KSA to mend their ways with Iran. He noted Pakistan is proficient enough in diffusing the tensions between the regional powers of the Middle East
However, he alerted that amidst all these good tidings, Pakistan has perhaps miscalculated the ties with its neighbour Iran. Such advancement of relations of Pakistan with the KSA is an eye-sore for Iran.
“In this delicate and critical situation, Pakistan ought to establish friendly terms with Iran. If on one hand Pakistan enjoys good relationships with KSA, it will have to offer balanced approach to Iran. At times, no country is capable to afford isolation, especially its neighbours. The KSA is rich in its oil resources and ever has helped Pakistan with this natural boon. But Pakistan must be aware of the significance of Iran. Iran has the world’s third largest oil reserves and also wealthy in its gas resources. Iran is capable of feeding the industry of Pakistan with its natural resources and shares a border about 900kms long with Pakistan. Thus, Iran does not only matter for Pakistan in a transactional way but significant for the latter strategically. Recently, an attack on the revolutionary guards of Iran in February has worsened the matters for bilateral ties. Iran has foisted the responsibility of these attacks on Pakistan. The relationship of such sort is not in favour of both countries.
“Last year, in November, the US imposed economic sanctions on Iran that aimed to isolate and threaten. The US is wary of Iran and perceives it cancerous for the region. Therefore, the US will never want to see Pakistan mend its links with Iran. This desire of the US is likely to escalate the tensions between the two neighbours.
“Pakistan holds immense value for the US, the KSA, and Iran. For the US, Pakistan is the wildcard in bringing the Taliban on reconciliatory terms and can act as the mediator between the US-China tussle. For the KSA, Pakistan is propitious in terms of security and capable of providing nuclear assistance. And for Iran, Pakistan can turn out its benefactor, by bringing the regional Middle Eastern rivals on the same page. Keeping in view such significance of Pakistan for these countries, it can urge the US and the KSA to mend their ways with Iran.”