By Brig Syed Karrar Hussain Retired
Every year on 11 February, the Islamic Republic of Iran commemorates the success of the 1979 Islamic Revolution — a turning point not only in Iran’s history but also in the political landscape of the Muslim world. The revolution transformed Iran from a Western-aligned monarchy into an Islamic republic under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. To fully understand the significance of this day, one must examine Iran’s historical foundations, the causes of the revolution, its relations with Pakistan, and the strengths and weaknesses of its foreign policy and economy.
1. History of Iran: Before and After Islam
Ancient Persia: A Civilizational Power
Iran, historically known as Persia, is one of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world. The Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE) under Cyrus the Great established one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching from South Asia to the Mediterranean. Persian civilization became known for administrative sophistication, architectural brilliance, and relative religious tolerance.
Subsequent empires — the Parthians and the Sassanids — maintained Persia’s status as a regional superpower. The Sassanid Empire (224–651 CE) was the last pre-Islamic Persian dynasty and was deeply rooted in Zoroastrian traditions. Its rivalry with the Byzantine Empire defined much of late antique geopolitics.
Iran After Islam
The Arab Muslim conquest of Persia in the 7th century transformed Iran’s religious and cultural identity. However, rather than losing its distinctiveness, Iran played a central role in shaping Islamic civilization. Persian scholars, poets, and philosophers such as Imam Ghazali, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Ferdowsi, and Rumi made monumental contributions to Islamic thought, literature, and science.
In the 16th century, the Safavid dynasty declared Twelver Shi’ism as the state religion, permanently shaping Iran’s sectarian and political identity. This decision distinguished Iran from its largely Sunni neighbors and laid the foundation for its modern ideological posture.
In the 20th century, the Pahlavi dynasty (1925–1979) pursued aggressive modernization and Westernization. While Reza Shah and later Mohammad Reza Shah implemented reforms in infrastructure, education, and industry, their authoritarian governance and close alignment with Western powers created deep social and political tensions.
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2. Causes of the 1979 Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution was not a sudden event but the culmination of multiple political, economic, religious, and social factors.
a. Authoritarian Rule
The Shah’s regime increasingly became autocratic. Political opposition was suppressed, and the secret police (SAVAK) became notorious for human rights violations. The absence of political freedom alienated intellectuals, clerics, and the middle class.
b. Western Influence
The Shah’s close relationship with the United States and Western powers was perceived by many Iranians as cultural and political subservience. Rapid Westernization, including reforms affecting family laws and dress codes, created resentment among religious circles.
c. Economic Disparities
Despite oil wealth, economic benefits were unevenly distributed. Rapid industrialization led to inflation, rural-urban migration, unemployment, and growing inequality. Oil revenues strengthened the elite but did not sufficiently uplift the broader population.
d. Religious Leadership
Ayatollah Khomeini emerged as a unifying figure. Exiled in 1964, he continued mobilizing opposition from abroad. His message combined Islamic governance, social justice, anti-imperialism, and resistance to tyranny. By 1978–79, mass protests paralyzed the country, and on 11 February 1979, the monarchy collapsed.
The revolution established the Islamic Republic, introducing a unique political system combining republican institutions with clerical oversight under the concept of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist).
3. Iran–Pakistan Relations: A Multifaceted Relationship
Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after its independence in 1947. Relations between the two nations have historically been cordial but complex.
Early Cooperation
Both countries were members of CENTO (Central Treaty Organization) during the Cold War. Under the Shah, Iran maintained close strategic ties with Pakistan, including military cooperation.
Post-1979 Dynamics
After the Islamic Revolution, ideological differences emerged. Pakistan, predominantly Sunni, and Iran, a Shi’a-majority state, occasionally faced sectarian spillovers. However, both countries avoided direct confrontation and maintained diplomatic channels.
Afghanistan Factor
Afghanistan has significantly influenced bilateral ties. During the Soviet invasion (1979–1989), Pakistan and Iran supported different Afghan factions. Later, during Taliban rule, Iran opposed the Taliban while Pakistan was initially supportive. However, both now share concerns about stability in Afghanistan.
Economic Relations
Bilateral trade remains below potential.
The Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline project (IP pipeline) remains incomplete due to international sanctions.
Border trade, particularly in Balochistan, is important but underdeveloped.
Security Cooperation
Border security and counter-smuggling efforts have required coordinated mechanisms. Both sides periodically reaffirm commitments to prevent militant activities along their shared border.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses of Iran’s Foreign Policy and Economy
Strengths of Foreign Policy
1. Strategic Autonomy: Iran has maintained an independent foreign policy despite decades of sanctions.
2. Regional Influence: Through alliances in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, Iran has expanded its strategic footprint.
3. Ideological Cohesion: The revolutionary narrative provides internal legitimacy and external influence.
4. Strategic Geography: Control over the Strait of Hormuz gives Iran geopolitical leverage.
Weaknesses of Foreign Policy
1. International Sanctions: Long-standing U.S. and Western sanctions have restricted economic growth.
2. Diplomatic Isolation: Relations with many Western countries remain strained.
3. Regional Rivalries: Tensions with Saudi Arabia (though recently eased), Israel, and some Gulf states complicate diplomacy.
4. Nuclear Controversy: Disputes over Iran’s nuclear program have triggered economic and political pressure.
Economic Strengths
Vast oil and gas reserves.
Large domestic market (over 80 million people).
Strong human capital in science, engineering, and technology.
Growing self-reliance in defense production.
Economic Weaknesses
Heavy reliance on hydrocarbons.
Inflation and currency devaluation.
Youth unemployment.
Limited foreign investment due to sanctions.
Iran has shown resilience but faces structural challenges that require diversification and international reintegration.
5. Recommendations to Improve Pakistan–Iran Cooperation
Given shared history, culture, religion, and geography, Pakistan and Iran possess immense untapped potential.
1. Economic Connectivity
Expedite resolution of the Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline within legal and diplomatic frameworks.
Expand border markets and formalize trade channels to curb smuggling.
Promote banking mechanisms that bypass sanction-related obstacles legally.
2. Energy Cooperation
Pakistan faces chronic energy shortages, while Iran has surplus gas and electricity in border regions. Mutually beneficial energy trade could stabilize Pakistan’s economy and strengthen bilateral trust.
3. Border Security Mechanisms
Joint border patrols, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations against terrorist groups can prevent misunderstandings and enhance regional peace.
4. Cultural and Academic Exchange
Both nations share deep civilizational links dating back centuries. Expanding student exchange programs, religious dialogue forums, and cultural festivals can strengthen people-to-people ties.
5. Regional Diplomacy
Pakistan and Iran should coordinate on Afghanistan to ensure regional stability. A peaceful Afghanistan benefits both countries economically and strategically.
6. Multilateral Platforms
Enhanced cooperation through ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) and other regional forums can provide broader economic integration.
Conclusion
Iranian Revolution Day on 11 February is more than a national celebration; it symbolizes resistance, ideological transformation, and the assertion of sovereignty. Iran’s journey from ancient Persia to an اسلامی Republic reflects resilience and continuity of civilizational identity.
While the revolution reshaped Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, it also redefined regional geopolitics. For Pakistan, Iran remains a crucial neighbor with whom relations must be managed pragmatically and strategically.
Despite challenges — sanctions, regional rivalries, and economic constraints — Iran continues to exercise influence across the Middle East. For Pakistan, enhanced cooperation with Iran is not merely desirable but strategically essential. Shared borders demand shared responsibility.
A relationship built on mutual respect, economic pragmatism, and security coordination can transform Pakistan–Iran ties into a pillar of regional stability. As history has shown, geography cannot be changed — but diplomacy and wisdom can shape the future.
