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On Sunday, Iran closed its border with Pakistan at Taftan. The decision follows a suicide bombing last week in Zahedan, which killed 25 people and left over 125 injured. The Iranian government’s decision has led to the suspension of trade in the region, causing tribes on both sides of the border to suffer food shortages.
What are the political implications of Iran’s decision to close its border?
Is this the first step towards the regional isolation of Pakistan owing to the possibility of militancy spreading beyond its borders? Are regional militant groups trying to stoke sectarian tensions (Jundullah claimed the Zahedan bombing)? Or is Pakistan getting caught up in US-Iran relations? Iran has implied that ‘interfering powers’ be held responsible for the suicide bombing and analysts are suggesting that Iran’s decision is a response to the diplomatic and military connections between Pakistan and America in the context of the war against terror.
Iran should understand that if they pursue terrorists inside Pakistan’s soverign territory, they can be at a similar situation when other countries puruse targets inside Iran for their support for terrorists in Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon.
Its time now that we call a spade aspade. Frankenstine, thy name is Talibans and Terrorists. Religious parties are no les thugs. Army has to do the job or else some one will do it. But then Pakistan has to remember the cosequences.
It is painful to see people on this board who see things only through the prism of Islam.
Who cares if the killers are “true” muslims or somewhat muslim or fakes ?
Who cares if Iran is a Muslim country ?
Did it stop the Iran Iraq war ? Or the killing of Iraqis by Iraqis, killing of Afghans by Afghans, killing of Pakistanis of multiple ethnicities by Pakistanis ?
Does it hurt less if the killers say namaaz 5 times a day and hurt our women folk ?
We need to have good relations with ALL our neighbors to prosper.
It is sad that yet another neighbor sees us as a pain in their backyard.
We claim ad nauseam that Islam is a religion of peace and I often wonder those who represent Islam if they can not even tolerate another sect of Islam how can they ensure peace in this globalised world?
Since Islamic Revolution, Iranian nation has developed a mindset that has national pride, peace and justice at the center of its foreghn policy.Thats why Iran is still one of the most peaceful country for its citizens in the war torn region.
They fought an American Imposed war for 10 years. How come they don’t have any left over extremits.In 1999 long before 9/11 Iran has placed their army on Afghan border to attack Taliban in afghanistan and it was Pakistan’s defence attach’e as directed by US that pleaded a case with them at that time for not attacking poor talibans.What an irony!!today we are doing those acts by ourselves.
We should not be so naive..We are cutting what we sowed. More shameful issue is that our nation due to their viciously corrupt practices have colored our own hands with the blood of fellow bretherns whom we now call Taliban by just following the Enemy of Islam, USA. We had an option to train people from northwest frontier areas to make them sharp, intelligent, educated nation loving muslims, but Alas we chose to make these poor people extremits and killers.
Talibans are not new. They were playing this game in Afghanistan for last 15 years and our Army leaders knew about it. Shame on them for their cowardice and playing for America for petty money.
It’s encouraging to see many Pakistani’s speak the facts about the terrorists in their own country that their spineless government and greedy Army cannot and will not say in Public.
Pakistan should improve the modern education and invest billions in that.
It can start with trying to teach some real science and math in addition to Koran.
India has no interest in Pakistan as it does not want to add another 170 million more impoverished citizens. Annexing Pakistan is worthless and pointless as it drags down India with more negatives rather than benefits. Pakistan Army is selling Pakistan citizens this dummy about India threat and is prospering itself. Have you ever seen an US or Indian or any democractic country’s army running businesses? You will find these in non democratic countries like China, Pakistan, African countries etc.
Just compare the salaries and Perks of Army Officers in US and Pakistan. Mike Mullen the top US military guy and Joint Chiefs mows his lawn all by himself.
It is so sad that Pakistan is begging all around the world since after 6 decades of independence, it’s inept leaders have not delivered.
Mr Gohar says Pakistan left South Asia! But last time I checked the map it is still there. However much he may dream, he is part of West Asia, it is not going to be so. That is the identity crisis of Pakistan.
As long as Pakistan is in that bad dream, it will continue to suffer!
The new leaders seem to understand the truth!
I am surprised that no one in pakistan yet get the idea that it is the work of a foreign country (read India) to destabilize Pakistan and make the Iran-Pakistan relationship sour.
Closing of Pakistan border and issuing a stern warning of a possible military action against militants hide outs in Pakistan is
a new development from Iran. It shows the weaknesses in Pakistan foreign policy that now even Iran is talking about possible military strike if Pakistan government fails in apprehending militants involved in recent mosque bombing in Iran.Unfortunately, Pak government did not respond to Iranian military threat which is strange. Thanks to Pak policies that USA, NATO, Afghanistan, India and now Iran bluntly put all responsibility of militant activities to Pakistan as they do not have any responsibility to block fleeing of militants and crossing their border and entering into the Pakistan. Is border only on Pakistan side?
Pakistan better move-and move quickly-to eradicate the Jundullah group from its territory. And until that is accomplished, it should immediately send a military contingent there as a show of force to bolster the area.
It is intolerable for any neighboring country to withstand this type of terrorist incident from Pakistani territory, especially when that neighboring country is a friend.
I think Pakistan should now give all kinds of weapons to people in punjab and Assam of India..they should be given a taste of their own medicine.I am a balochi and i swear to God we are behind this country and we wont allow those indians to come and field their soldiers in the disguise of balochis.Allah hu Akbar and Long live Pakistan
I’m so surprised to see that still some pakistanis think “India” is their bitter enemy. Indians will become Pakistan’s best friend the moment pakistan focuses on development for its own people, trade, regional cooperation. Pakistan will not need American $$ any more, they will have their own economic strength. India will be the biggest business partner for Pakistan. India does not want to continue the “Terrorism” business with Pakistan any more. There are more happy muslims in India than in pakistan.
I think Iran is trying to protect itself from sectarian violence spilling into its territory. They can do that temporarily; But they should rather provide a task force to guard their borders with Pakistan. That would also be like helping Pakistan by killing crossover militants;
Like how India tries to have troops on Indian side Kashmir border with Pakistan & prevent militant crossovers who stage attacks on Indian soil.
US may be helping Pakistan by funding. But US is not going to physically help Pakistan for neighboring relations.
Pakistan, Iran, China, India, Afghanistan — all being border countries — should cooperate and come with a regional strategy and overcome terrorism/militancy issues. No country will benefit anything by having a troubled relation around its border…even if it’s 1.
US is a good friend for many countries; Even if they do good things, it’s blamed finally; I think the large presence of US in Afghanistan/Pakistan is the cause for lots of sectarian and miltary killings. But if they are not there, then also no one is going to come for the rescue;
China, India, Iran etc., are all going to mind their own business & secure themselves. It’s finally for Pakistan to handle its internal problems.
So it’s high time Pakistan tries to clean the house (eliminate terrorists, militancy) and start focussing on development, trade, economy, education, jobs etc., using the US, Europe, China funds $$$ rather than spending them on military planes, F-16s etc., to defend India. India is definitely not a threat to Pakistan; Rather its own militants are a big threat for its citizens.
What has it got to do with Pakistan?
Borders closed or open…is nothing to do with Pakistan. This a pure Baloch issue as both wings of Balochistan united against their enemy: Pursio-Punjabi nexes.
Iran has intelligently respoded by closing the border. This is an effective way of stopping the disease of Terrorism.
Pakistan didn’t act in the beginning; and now is suffering badly.
It is strange that the people of Pakistan do not realize that what has been done to them by the elements of the state of Pakistan viz: the Army and the ISI. I still see India being blamed for the happenings in Pakistan and also by some commentators here while discussing Iran. Is the ISI controlled by India or does Indian chief of Army Staff run the Pak army. Come on people wake up to the realities of life. Your nation was radicalised under your very noses by Zia-ul-haq. Islamic elements were inducted into your armed forces and the ISI. The elements of the state played the dirty game with everyone including the people of Pakistan. So stop the blame game, stop beating your breasts against India. Who gave arms to the Taliban? Who trained them? Who went with them on operations in side Afghanistan? Now when your own dog bites you, you turn around and blame India. Your rabidity against India is not going to help you. Wake up and see what has happened in your country and what is happening and what is going to be your future.
Today Pakistan has to kill its own creation. It has to shut down its dirty tricks department which is still active and playing a double sided game. The issue now is that no one trusts you and no one is willing to stand by you. Even Islamic nations don’t want to see you around. You have developed into an anathema.
There has to be a larger people’s movement in Pakistan to get the state back on its feet. Public opinion has to be raised to the level of a national movement to help Pakistan get out of this morass. Don’t gloat that your Army has come out better in fighting insurgencies than other countries. India doesn’t use aircraft, gunships, artillery and the where withal of its military might to fight insurgency. India did not displace millions of people fighting insurgency. We did not blast away our towns while fighting insurgencies. What we see on TV of what is left of Mingora is pathetic.
Iran is a wake up call for Pakistan. It’s not too late before the doors on the country begun to be shut by the nations of the world.
Iran spared no time in hanging the culprits involved sending a message, of how they deal with assassins. While our Army has been busy grooming them in madrassah’s for the last three decades.
Pakistan is willing to do anything, even undermine the integrity of its own polity, to get hold of American greenbacks. Where else could the Americans raise an army of hundreds of thousands willing to do anything for US interests at a negligible price?
These are some misguided people who bring pak in shame in front of international community. What Iran did is their right.Providing security for its citizen is the topmost priority of any government. Pakistan must look into the root cause of these militancy. The ongoing military operation will not yeild long term result unless the root cause of this should be eliminated. Pak govt. must survey its eudcational system. Especially those madarsas which provide only religious education and brainwashed student since childhood. Instead of that, govt. should ensure to reform that centers and should draft a national moderate education system which provide more and more technical and scientific education. The other thing is govt. should use electronic media to strenthen its moderate views. Should make a conglormate of moderate religious leaders which have influence on society.
Really pak needs a dramatic change in its system. If there is a will there is a certain way. We all friends of pak pray for for the prosperity of our neighbour.
We all have to understand that religion has never been a long lasting unifying force. Unification comes from simpler principles on live and let live, prosper and help prosper.
Pakistan should stop looking at another country on religious perspective only.
As clearly shown in history right up to today, various factions of the Islam religion have fought each other over many factors. The same holds good for all other major religions.
Stop thinking religion, think man kind, think simple principles of being a human. Should we be going back to the lesser intelligent non-humans, who are much better off a showing these basic tenets ?
Iran may close a border today, but would open many more tomorrow. My point for Pakistan or India or any country facing such issues is about cleaning house and turn towards development and prosperity. This would foster lesser evil within and will help build better relations over all, inside and outside.
Like it or not, our only true friends are the US, Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia.
Yes, I said the US, who gives you $billions in aid, F16s to defend you against India, whenever there is a earthquake or some calamity, the US is in the forefront, we must not be a thankless society, even China who is touted as a all weather friend, recently gave a paltry $3 million to the IDPs from Swat, while the US gave $160 million with another $15 billion in 10 years, this is beside the IMF world bank money that is also coming from the US, Saudis give us oil credit, Turkey gave $10 million for the IDPs and is a true friend, China is cheap, they have $trillions in their banks and only gave $3 million.
Anyway, what does Iran do? It sides with India and the Northern Alliance which are bitter enemies of Pakistan, since the Mullahs came to power in Iran they have not been friendly towards Pakistan.
But this Jundullah business is entirely the fault of Pakistani govt, for not taking action earlier as this evil group was allowed to operate within Pakistan with baloch nationalist help, the same nationalist who plant bombs and kill Pakistani soldiers and troops.
Iran is a emotional nation and they always act and talk belligerantly, but the truth is, this Jundullah group needs to be taken out yesterday as we dont have many friends in the region already, but in the same breath, Iran needs to realize Pakistan is already in a bind with terrorism and other problems occupying it, maybe they can help by controlling their border better and not allowing unwelcome groups from coming in, closing the border will only create problems for ordinary people as the terrorists dont walk through Iranian immigration.
Iran’s concerns are acceptable but Iran’s way of threatening Pakistan is a mad act. Pakistan is already fighting these elements in its southern borders and everywhere in the country. Iran should monitor its border to prevent these kind of acts instead of blamming Pakistan. Pakistan is doing everything for the peace here and everywhere in the world and the world should deal softly with it.
wake up Pakistan!
I think this is first time pakistani govt has taken real initiative by vowing to eliminate terrorist groups like Jindullah.War against terror is our war now and not of the US alone.Army is doing good job to eliminate these so called local taliban funded by drug lords.They should be dealt with Iron hand and our public should launch awareness campaign against them. Moderate political parties should form joint committees and surge these taliban in the cities and watch thier movements.If any talibans have fled along with IDPS then locals and the local police should search the camps and they be taken to task/eliminated as waging war against countrys army is high treason. Our President should talk to Iran and make a joint effort to exchane information on cross border activities of such militants.we should also take into confidence moderate Pashtun elders, that we are not against beard, Islam or Pushtoons who are our worthy citizens but we are against those hard core criminal who are exploiting Islam and bringing bad name to honouurable pushtoons as well.We should also include respectable pushtoon elders in surge as well.
This is just a temporary measure as the Americans and india are having a field day in the region. The CIA is using Pakistani and Afghan territory to sponsor militant groups especially those in Balochistan.
Pakistan needs to strengthen relations and have prosperous borders with Afghanistan and especially Iran who are traditional and historical allies. There is no need to blow this out of proportion or sensationalize it.
We left South Asia for a reason, and should mine, build a wall on our eastern border to stop the influx of illegal people from india and other south asian countries who are disturbing Pakistan’s relations both domestically and with surrounding countries. Our future is west and north.
Another sad day. One of many in the past and more to come. The ISI, MI, FIA, The Army, the government and the Politicians need to come together in a Crisis Mode to execute a plan that will eliminate “Miscreants” as they are cleverly called, completely from Pakistan. If this is not a wake up call to get the genie back into the bottle, I don’t know what is. Pakistan is a 62 year “Democracy”, corrupt politicians and the military have done plenty of damage in its long chequered history. It is time for the people to wake up and demand accountability, after all that is what democracy is supposed to achieve. Pakistan is on the brink and this looks like the last chance.