Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, will embark on a two-day official visit to Iran today to participate in the 28th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers, the Foreign Office confirmed on Monday.
The summit, held in the Iranian city of Mashhad, will focus on regional economic collaboration and connectivity among ECO member states. During his address, Dar is expected to emphasize Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO charter and underscore the importance of enhancing regional connectivity through improved road and rail networks, simplified border procedures, and visa liberalization to boost economic growth across the region.
“Deputy Prime Minister Dar will highlight Pakistan’s vision for sustainable development and enhanced geo-economic potential within the ECO region,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch. “He will also sign the charter for the ECO Clean Energy Center and hold bilateral meetings with participating ministers and other dignitaries on the sidelines of the conference.”
Focus on Bilateral Relations and Regional Security
Dar’s visit comes amid longstanding but complex ties between Pakistan and Iran, marked by both cooperation and tension. Despite signing several commercial agreements over the years, including the $7 billion Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project in 2004, progress on key initiatives has been hindered by international sanctions on Iran. While Tehran has completed its section of the pipeline, Pakistan awaits a waiver from the United States to proceed with the project.
In addition to discussing economic cooperation, Dar is expected to reiterate Pakistan’s concerns over ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, which threaten regional stability and security.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
Dar’s visit to Iran follows a recent two-day trip by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad, where he met with Pakistani officials to discuss the escalating crisis in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, and to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations.
Despite multiple agreements, the two neighbors have often faced challenges in their relationship, particularly over border security. Their shared, porous border has been a hotspot for militant activity, with both nations accusing each other of failing to eliminate insurgent hideouts.
Tensions reached a peak in January when Pakistan and Iran exchanged cross-border airstrikes, each targeting what they claimed were militant positions on the other’s territory.
Efforts to ease tensions have been ongoing. In April, the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visited Pakistan on a three-day diplomatic mission aimed at fostering cooperation. During the visit, the two countries signed several memorandums of understanding in areas including trade, science and technology, agriculture, health, culture, and judicial matters.
Dar’s participation in the ECO summit is expected to further Pakistan’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen ties with Iran and other ECO member states.
