Interview with Ayaz Ahmed, Scholar at the University of Karachi
By Ali Izadi – Edited by Safar Sarabi
Pakistan Welcomes Iran’s Electricity Supply Offer
Pakistani scholar Ayaz Ahmed from the University of Karachi emphasized Pakistan’s increasing reliance on Iran in the energy sector, particularly in electricity imports. In an interview with IRNA, he highlighted that Pakistan has welcomed Iran’s offer to supply up to 3,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, an expansion from the current 100 MW.
Pakistan currently imports 70 MW of electricity from Iran through a 400 km transmission line connecting Pishin in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province to Gwadar in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Ahmed noted that with summer approaching, Islamabad should plan to import additional electricity to avoid shortages for domestic and industrial users.
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Iran—his first since taking office in 2018—was seen as a key step to deepen cooperation, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Iran-Pakistan diplomatic relations.
Expanding Economic Cooperation
Key Areas of Bilateral Collaboration
According to Ahmed, both Iran and Pakistan, being resource-rich neighbors located at a strategic geo-economic crossroads connecting Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, have immense potential for economic cooperation.
Given U.S. sanctions on Iran, the most promising areas of bilateral trade and collaboration include:
- Energy, oil, and gas supply
- Aviation and technology sectors
- Livestock and agriculture
- Trade connectivity and transport infrastructure
Ahmed emphasized that Iran’s vast gas and oil reserves—about 1,187 trillion cubic feet of gas and 157 billion barrels of oil—could help Pakistan overcome its chronic energy shortages. In return, Pakistan could export rice, textiles, fruits, meat, and machinery, while importing iron, chemicals, bitumen, and detergents from Iran.
Barriers to Trade Growth
Despite the official goal of reaching $5 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2021, the target remains unmet. Ahmed attributed this shortfall to several factors, including:
- U.S. sanctions on Iran
- Pakistan’s economic dependence on Saudi Arabia
- High non-tariff barriers and customs duties in Iran
- Poor transport connectivity and limited border trade posts
- Slow import approvals and bureaucratic hurdles
These issues, coupled with geopolitical pressures, have prevented the full realization of the countries’ economic potential.
The Chabahar–Gwadar Rivalry
Competition or Cooperation?
Addressing the rivalry between Iran’s Chabahar Port and Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, Ahmed noted that the two harbors are “more rivals than partners” due to the strategic competition between China and India.
- China, through the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is heavily invested in Gwadar, aiming to create a faster and safer trade route to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
- India, on the other hand, seeks access to Central Asia and Afghanistan via Chabahar, positioning it as a counterbalance to Gwadar.
Nevertheless, both Tehran and Islamabad have expressed interest in transforming Gwadar and Chabahar into “sister ports” to foster regional integration and mutual benefit.
The Peace Pipeline and Energy Politics
The Iran–Pakistan Gas Pipeline
Ahmed recalled that Pakistan initially welcomed the Iran–Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline, dubbed the “Peace Pipeline,” in 2013 to address its severe energy crisis. However, a combination of financial constraints, technological limitations, and external pressures—particularly from Saudi Arabia and the U.S. following its withdrawal from the JCPOA—halted progress.
He suggested that a future shift in U.S. policy toward Iran could revive the project, although such a scenario remains unlikely under current geopolitical conditions.
Pakistan’s Balancing Act Between Iran and Saudi Arabia
Despite receiving a $6 billion bailout from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan appears to be diversifying its foreign policy. The government is strengthening ties with China, Russia, Turkey, Indonesia, Iran, and several European nations, seeking a balanced diplomatic approach.
Ahmed noted that Pakistan’s current leadership is prioritizing closer ties with Iran, both for economic and security cooperation, reflecting a pragmatic approach amid regional realignments.
Border Security and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
Combating Militancy Together
On the issue of border security, Ahmed warned of external actors sponsoring militant groups along the Pakistan–Iran border to destabilize both nations. He stressed the importance of enhanced intelligence sharing and joint counter-insurgency operations to neutralize threats in Balochistan and Sistan-Baluchestan.
“Some regional and global powers are trying to sow discord between Iran and Pakistan,” he cautioned. “Both nations must act decisively to prevent proxy wars on their soil.”
Cooperation for Peace in Afghanistan
Ahmed highlighted that both Iran and Pakistan have a vital role in promoting peace in Afghanistan. He urged the two nations to:
- Encourage the Afghan Taliban toward a negotiated settlement
- Assist with institution-building and economic recovery
- Support the Afghan National Army and Police in post-conflict reconstruction
Such cooperation, he argued, would stabilize the region and strengthen trilateral relations among Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
