It is been two years since sanctions are phasing out on Iran which were the biggest hurdle in promotion of trade between Islamabad and Tehran. However, the government is unprepared as usual to avail business and investment opportunities offered by Iran where the European and other developed nations are thronged to take their shares of participation. The unfortunate part of the whole scheme of things is that Pakistan has failed to establish bank to bank links with this important country in the neighbourhood with which we enjoy not only culture and religious relations, but also trade ties over the course of centuries. Over two years have been wasted away and no direct means of transfer of money could be established between the two countries. There is no one in the government to hold the officials concerned responsible for inactivity and lethargy lingering on the important matters from days to weeks and weeks to months. How a nation can harbor high ambitions when it is unable to resolve a simple issue or evolve a fair strategy to boost its trade and business.
The Pakistan envoy in Tehran, Asif Khan Durrani, has right expressed the need for steps to enhance bank to bank connectivity between Pakistan and Iran to fully exploit the opportunities after sanctions are waning on that country. According to him, a process of negotiations is going on between the officials of the two countries and a positive outcome is expected within a month. Iran is Pakistan’s important ally in a hostile environment where east and west sides of the country are facing troubles and dishonesty from two neighbouring countries. All the efforts made by Pakistan to establish friendly relations with Afghanistan and India have so far been backfired. Only Iran remained steadfast in good relations with Pakistan despite cold shoulder attitude from Islamabad. This is the only country we don’t have any issue other than some border problems and too due to smugglers and terrorists who are operating on both sides of the borders. The two countries could not fully exploited the economic and trade potentials. Iran as an oil-rich country andhas surplus energy but is facing food shortage. Pakistan faces severe energy crisis but can cater to the needs of Iran. Both the countries can help each other in various areas of business, trade and energy.
The absence of banking channels has come as a major obstacle in the promotion of trade between the two countries. It is hoped that the government will soon be able to establish links with Iran which is not difficult in this age of science, technology and information.
