US-Iran deal
Defence minister says Pakistan’s stature has improved after victory over India in Maarka-e-Haq last May
Islamabad
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday expressed hope for an agreement between the United States and Iran, saying Pakistan would be among the major beneficiaries of such a peace settlement, with the “biggest benefit” being a secure border with Tehran.
His remarks came amid a recent flare-up in the Gulf, where US and Iranian forces clashed, and the United Arab Emirates came under renewed attack, threatening a month-old ceasefire and raising concerns over the prospects of a diplomatic resolution. The escalation took place as Washington awaited Tehran’s response to a proposal aimed at ending the conflict, which began with joint US-Israeli airstrikes across Iran on February 28.
The hopes for an agreement resurfaced in recent days after the US conveyed a proposal through Pakistani mediation, with Washington expecting an Iranian response on Friday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the development could lead to a serious negotiation process.
Speaking on a private television programme Naya Pakistan, Asif said that due to success in last year’s conflict against India, the nation appeared more confident compared to a year ago.
“About a year ago, there was an uncertain situation, including on the security front and in several other respects. We were facing multiple problems at that time, and those problems still exist — I do not deny that,” he said.
“As far as security is concerned, we are much more confident now, thanks to our armed forces,” he added.
Talking about Pakistan’s mediation role in the war between Iran and the US, he said Pakistan had a historical, geographical and religious relationship with Iran, adding that the two countries shared multiple ties that had been handled with balance.
He further said that diplomatically, Pakistan had succeeded in convincing the US to agree to a ceasefire aimed at restoring peace in the region. “We will also be among the major beneficiaries of this peace,” he added.
While expressing hope for an agreement between the two warring sides, he said that if sanctions were lifted after a deal with Iran, Pakistan would be able to obtain several commodities — currently sourced from international markets — directly from Iran through land routes, including gas and oil.
“The biggest benefit would be that our border would become secure, from where terrorism has occasionally infiltrated into our territory,” he said, adding that the border with Afghanistan remained insecure and discussions in this regard were also ongoing with China.
He attributed the recent rise in Pakistan’s stature to what he described as the country’s “historic victory” over India a year ago through Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and Marka-e-Haq.
