Pakistan and Iran Call for Peaceful Resolution of Kashmir Issue in Joint Statement

Pakistan and Iran have issued a joint statement calling for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue based on the will of the people of the region and in accordance with international law. The statement was released following Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Pakistan from April 22-24, 2024, where he was invited by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

During the visit, the two countries agreed to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion over the next five years and expedite the finalization of a free trade agreement (FTA). They also agreed to cooperate in the energy sector, including trade in electricity, power transmission lines, and the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

The joint statement emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for resolving disputes, including Kashmir, in accordance with international law. Both sides stressed the need for a long-term, durable economic partnership and collaborative regional economic and connectivity model, particularly for the development of the Sistan Balochistan and Balochistan provinces.

Why this matters: The joint statement by Pakistan and Iran on the Kashmir issue is significant as it highlights the international community's growing concern over the unresolved dispute. It also underscores the importance of regional cooperation and economic integration for promoting peace and stability in South Asia.

Pakistan and Iran also reiterated their commitment to strengthen bilateral relations through academic, cultural, and tourism activities, and enhance cooperation between political, military, and security officials to combat threats like terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. The two countries reaffirmed their support for the development of Afghanistan as a peaceful, united, sovereign, and independent state, free from the threats of terrorism and drug trafficking.

However, India has rejected such statements by other countries on the Kashmir issue, asserting that it is an integral and inalienable part of India. During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the Kashmir issue, but Iranian President Raisi refrained from mentioning it, creating an impression that he had snubbed the desire of the Pakistani leader to comment on the issue.

The joint statement by Pakistan and Iran calling for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue based on the will of the people of the region and in accordance with international law has once again brought the long-standing dispute into the international spotlight. While both countries have agreed to enhance economic cooperation and combat regional threats, India maintains its stance that Kashmir is an internal matter. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be closely watching the developments in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan, Iran call for peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue per int'l law.
• Agreed to boost bilateral trade to $10B, finalize free trade agreement.
• Cooperate in energy sector, including electricity trade, Iran-Pak gas pipeline.
• Reiterated support for peaceful, united, sovereign Afghanistan free of terrorism.
• India rejects statements by other countries on Kashmir, calls it internal matter.