Pakistan has stated that it is not obligated to comply with unilateral sanctions against Iran if they are not imposed by the United Nations. Thus, Islamabad has made it clear that it is ready to continue trading with Tehran despite US warnings of possible economic sanctions against countries doing business with Iran.
Islamabad adheres to bilateral agreements with Iran, and trade between the two neighboring countries remains active. At the same time, Pakistan seeks to expand it, said the spokesman for the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tahir Andrabi, at a weekly briefing on Thursday.
Pakistan has used its ties with Iran to negotiate the release of oil tankers at the beginning of the conflict. Both countries have also agreed to complete negotiations on a free trade agreement that is expected to increase bilateral trade more than threefold — to 10 billion dollars.
Pakistan balances between the US and Iran
During the war, Pakistan is trying to balance relations with the US and Iran. The country has strengthened ties with Washington during the second presidential term of Donald Trump, especially after becoming one of the key mediators between Tehran and Washington.
Last week, the commander of the Pakistani army was in Iran as part of negotiations to end the conflict in the Middle East after a new escalation of tensions.
Islamabad has also requested 10 billion dollars in funding from Washington and expects a response in the coming months. Pakistan hopes to take advantage of improved relations with the Trump administration.
Source: Bloomberg
