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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.
Sadly for us, but it seems true that we are indeed at a risk of being isolated. It may not be long before the erstwhile Soviet Republics bordering us also close their borders for fear of the so called ‘war on terror’affecting their border areas.
It means that it is not a banana state in which any stupid person can come, stay and create problems.
It means that Iran is for Iranian people, not like our blessed land which has been misused by all the rogues from amongst Arabs, chechens, Uzbuks, Indians, Afghans.
I wish we can also be stringent like them and protect our people from international crooks.
A recognition that it is not just the US-Britain-Hindu-Zionist lobby that is spreading false ‘propaganda’ against Pakistan. Rather that there is a legitimate concern even amongst Muslim brothers in Iran about the terror threat coming from Pakistan. This too in less than a week after the signing of the ‘historic’ gas pipeline.
The policy of coddling one group of terrorist and allowing them to openly raise funds while trying to fight another group of terrorists is unsuccessful. Whether it is the Lahore cricket attack or the attack in Iran – these terror groups whose minds consider everyone other than Sunni Muslims as kafir and worthy of killing – only bring shame and isolation to Pakistan.
The only solution is when people of Pakistan stop blindly believing the army propaganda against India and realize the real reason for this propaganda : to rule Pakistan by creating a fear psychosis. Where else in the world do the army top brass live such extravagant lives? Not in US, not in Israel, not in India. No all these 3 are democracies. It is only in Pakistan.
When you stop funding for all terror and close down the hate filled Wahabi Madrassas funded by Saudi Arabia, only then will Pakistan find peace.
I hope Pakistan can do this before the noose of isolation completely strangles its existence.