Amidst the increasing tension between America and Iran, Pakistan’s role has suddenly come into limelight. On one hand, he is portraying himself as a mediator who will establish peace between the two countries, while on the other hand, he is taking such steps which can weaken the American strategy. The situation is becoming such that Pakistan’s policy seems to be dual – cooperation in talks and separate game on the ground.
US President Donald Trump is continuously praising Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, especially regarding the possible ceasefire with Iran. But in the meantime, Pakistan has prepared such a legal route, which can make it easier to deliver goods to Iran, even though there is American pressure on the sea routes.
What is Pakistan’s new step?
Pakistan has implemented a new framework named “Transit of Goods through the Territory of Pakistan Order 2026”. Under this system, now goods from other countries will first come to Pakistan and then from there will be sent to Iran by land route. With this, the effect of sea blockade can be reduced to a great extent. This decision has been taken at a time when America is trying to isolate Iran economically. This step of Pakistan can provide relief to Iran and also challenge the American strategy.
American sanctions and increasing pressure
Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has announced new sanctions on Iran. Under “Operation Economic Fury”, 14 people and institutions have been targeted. This campaign is said to last for about 60 days, the aim of which is to cut off Iran from the global financial system. However, Pakistan’s new transit system may reduce the impact of these sanctions, because now goods can be transported to Iran by land route instead of sea route.
Stagnation in talks and changing signals
A second round of talks was proposed regarding the US-Iran ceasefire, in which the US delegation was to go to Islamabad. But this trip was suddenly cancelled. Trump attributed this to the “internal instability and confusion” going on within Iran. On the same day, Pakistan’s Commerce Ministry issued SRO 691(I)/2026, in which information about the new transit corridor was given. This indicated that Pakistan is taking decisions rapidly keeping in mind its economic and strategic interests.
How is Iran getting relief?
About 3,000 containers were stranded at Karachi port, which were bound for Iran. Due to American pressure these containers were not able to move forward. But now with the opening of new land routes, these goods can be easily sent to Iran. This will help Iran to continue supplying essential commodities and it will not be completely isolated.
expert opinion
Some analysts believe that Pakistan is working very cleverly in this whole matter. On one hand, it is playing the role of mediator between America and Iran, and on the other hand, it is opening such avenues that provide economic relief to Iran. Former US Army officer Lawrence Selin also said that Pakistan is indirectly helping Iran escape the US blockade. According to him, this situation could be a matter of concern for America.
Pakistan’s dual strategy
Experts also say that Pakistan is perhaps the only country which is playing multiple roles simultaneously—mediator, ally and strategic player. It is also taking economic cooperation from countries like Saudi Arabia and strengthening trade relations with Iran. It is being told that Army Chief Asim Munir is also handling the back-channel talks and these new transit corridors have also been prepared under his supervision.
Six new transit corridors
Pakistan has identified six major routes to ease trade with Iran:
1. Gwadar to Gabd (Pakistan-Iran border)
2. Karachi/Port Qasim to Gabd via Lyari, Ormara, Pasni
3. Karachi/Port Qasim to Khuzdar, Taftan via Dalbandin
4. From Gwadar to Taftan via Turbat, Hoshab, Panjgur, Nag, Besima, Khuzdar, Quetta, Dalbandin, Nokundi.
5. Gwadar to Taftan via Lyari, Khuzdar, Quetta, Dalbandin, Nokundi
6.Gabadh via Karachi/Port Qasim to Gwadar
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