Pakistan-Iran Relation: Escalation to Normalization (2024)

Abstract

Pakistan has good terms with Iran since its inception although periodically both states show reservation over the cross border terrorism. In-mid January Iran has violated the territorial integrity of Pakistan and Pakistan retaliated in response after two days of attack. There were chances of escalation of war between the two states because both states also graded down their diplomatic relations. But soon the government of both states realized that war is not in the favour of the people of both states that were already suffering from political and economic challenges. Both states expedite the process of normalization by using diplomatic channel. This paper is an attempt to explore the answer of following research questions:

Research Statement

• What was the justification of Iran on the violation of territorial integrity of Pakistan?
• How attack by Iran was perceived in different segments of Pakistan?
• What was the reaction of Pakistani forces on Iran strike?
• What are the challenges and consequences of escalation for both states?
• What was the international response on the Iran’s action of breach of territorial integrity of Pakistan?
• How both states moved towards the normalization of relations?

Methodology

            This is qualitative study and data collected from primary and secondary sources was critically analyzed. Primary data collected in the form of statement issued from Foreign office of Pakistan, Iran, China, and Turkey and State Department were used in the paper. The speeches of various political entities were also used to analyze the data.  Secondary data in the form of research journals, books, and newspapers was also collected for analysis.