FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission) · CSS (Central Superior Services)
Pakistan–Iran Relations
Foreign Policy of Pakistan
· Pakistan Studies/Affairs
50 MCQs
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of 50 MCQs
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1
Which country was the first to officially recognize Pakistan as an independent state in 1947?
Answer:
Iran
Iran holds the historical distinction of being the first country to recognize Pakistan after its independence on August 14, 1947. This early recognition laid the foundation for a relationship characterized by deep cultural, religious, and strategic bonds, as both nations sought to navigate the complexities of the post-colonial regional landscape.
2
The 'Regional Cooperation for Development' (RCD), established in 1964, included Pakistan, Iran, and which other country?
Answer:
Turkey
The RCD was a tri-partite organization formed by Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey in 1964. It aimed to promote socio-economic development and cultural exchange among the three non-Arab Muslim nations. Although it was later replaced by the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in 1985, it represented an early peak in Pak-Iran regional integration.
3
What was the name of the defense alliance joined by both Pakistan and Iran in 1955 to contain the spread of communism?
Answer:
The Baghdad Pact (later CENTO)
Both Pakistan and Iran were members of the Baghdad Pact, which was later renamed the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) after Iraq's withdrawal. This alliance, backed by the United Kingdom and the United States, was a key component of the 'Northern Tier' strategy during the Cold War, aligning the two neighbors in a shared security framework.
4
During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, how did Iran assist Pakistan?
Answer:
By providing medical supplies, fuel, and a safe haven for Pakistani aircraft
During the 1965 war, Iran under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi provided critical logistical and material support to Pakistan. This included the provision of essential fuel supplies, medical aid, and allowing Pakistani fighter jets to use Iranian airbases for safety, reinforcing the image of Iran as a 'brotherly' and reliable strategic ally.
5
The 1979 Iranian Revolution changed the nature of the relationship because Iran transitioned from a monarchy to:
Answer:
An Islamic Republic
The 1979 Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini replaced the pro-Western monarchy with an Islamic Republic. While Pakistan was the first to recognize the new revolutionary government, the shift created new ideological and sectarian dynamics in the region, particularly as Pakistan was simultaneously undergoing its own 'Islamization' under General Zia-ul-Haq.
6
Which major energy project, often delayed by international sanctions, aims to bring natural gas from Iran to Pakistan?
Answer:
The Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline
The IP Gas Pipeline (formerly known as the 'Peace Pipeline') was envisioned to address Pakistan's energy crisis. While Iran has completed its section of the pipeline, Pakistan has faced challenges in completing its portion due to the threat of US sanctions and financial constraints, leading to a prolonged diplomatic and legal stalemate as of 2025.
7
In January 2024, Iran conducted missile strikes in which Pakistani province, claiming to target a militant group?
Answer:
Balochistan
In mid-January 2024, Iran launched missile and drone strikes in the Panjgur district of Balochistan, claiming to target hideouts of the militant group 'Jaish al-Adl.' Pakistan condemned this as an unprovoked violation of its sovereignty, leading to a temporary recall of ambassadors and a sharp rise in bilateral tension.
8
What was the name of Pakistan's retaliatory military operation against militant hideouts in Iran on January 18, 2024?
Answer:
Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar
Following the Iranian strikes, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched 'Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar' (Death to the Insurgents). The operation targeted hideouts of Baloch separatist groups (Sarmachars) in the Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran. This marked a rare direct military exchange between the two neighbors, though both sides subsequently moved to de-escalate.
9
Which Iranian President visited Pakistan in April 2024 to normalize ties and promote economic cooperation?
Answer:
Ebrahim Raisi
President Ebrahim Raisi undertook a high-profile state visit to Pakistan in April 2024. The visit was diplomatically significant as it signaled a formal end to the January tensions. During the visit, both countries signed multiple MoUs and pledged to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion over the next five years.
10
Pakistan and Iran share a border of approximately how many kilometers?
Answer:
909 km
The international border between Pakistan and Iran, often referred to as the 'Border of Peace and Friendship,' is approximately 909 kilometers long. It separates Pakistan's Balochistan province from Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province and has become a focus for increased security fencing and joint border markets in 2024-2025.
11
The first border market between Pakistan and Iran, inaugurated in 2023, is located at which crossing point?
Answer:
Mand-Pishin
The Mand-Pishin Border Sustenance Marketplace was inaugurated in May 2023. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to formalize border trade, reduce smuggling, and improve the economic conditions of the local populations living on both sides of the frontier.
12
Which Pakistani city receives a significant portion of its electricity from Iran under a long-standing power purchase agreement?
Answer:
Gwadar
Gwadar and other coastal areas of Balochistan are heavily dependent on electricity imported from Iran. In early 2023, a new transmission line (the Gabd-Polan project) was inaugurated to increase the supply to 100 MW, showcasing a practical area of energy cooperation despite geopolitical hurdles.
13
What is the primary diplomatic stance shared by Pakistan and Iran regarding the conflict in Gaza and Palestine in 2024-2025?
Answer:
Strong advocacy for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution
Both Islamabad and Tehran have consistently used international forums like the UN and OIC to condemn the military actions in Gaza. They advocate for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, which serves as a significant point of convergence in their respective foreign policies.
14
The 'Joint Border Management Committee' (JBMC) was revitalized in 2024 primarily to address which challenge?
Answer:
Cross-border terrorism and illegal crossings
Following the 2024 missile exchanges, both nations agreed to strengthen the JBMC. The committee's goal is to improve intelligence sharing and coordinate security operations to prevent militant groups from using the rugged border terrain for attacks, ensuring that the border remains a source of stability.
15
Which regional economic organization, headquartered in Tehran, counts both Pakistan and Iran as its key founding members?
Answer:
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
The ECO was established in 1985 by Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey as the successor to the RCD. It has since expanded to include Central Asian republics and Afghanistan. The organization provides a platform for its members to discuss trade, energy, and regional connectivity projects like the ITI railway.
16
In the context of 2025, 'Barter Trade' between Pakistan and Iran has been proposed to overcome which major hurdle?
Answer:
The lack of banking channels due to international sanctions
Because traditional banking transactions with Iran are restricted by US and international sanctions, Pakistan has explored 'Barter Trade' (exchanging goods like Pakistani rice for Iranian petroleum or electricity). This mechanism allows both countries to maintain economic ties without triggering financial penalties.
17
Which major port in Iran is often compared or linked with Pakistan's Gwadar port in regional connectivity discussions?
Answer:
Chabahar Port
Chabahar is Iran's only oceanic port. While it is often seen as a competitor to Gwadar because of Indian investment there, both Pakistan and Iran have officially described the two ports as 'sister ports' that can complement each other in facilitating trade for landlocked Central Asian nations.
18
The 1950 'Treaty of Friendship' signed between Pakistan and Iran was the first such treaty for which country?
Answer:
It was Pakistan's first major treaty with a neighbor
Signed in Tehran in May 1950, the Treaty of Friendship was one of the earliest and most significant diplomatic agreements for the young state of Pakistan. It established a framework for mutual respect for territorial integrity and the promotion of bilateral ties that has endured for decades.
19
During the 1971 secession crisis of East Pakistan, how did the Shah of Iran support Pakistan?
Answer:
By providing military hardware and unwavering diplomatic support at the UN
The Shah of Iran was a staunch supporter of a united Pakistan in 1971. Iran provided military equipment and stood by Pakistan diplomatically, fearing that the disintegration of Pakistan would lead to instability in its own Sistan-Baluchestan province and embolden regional rivals.
20
In 2025, which city hosted the 22nd session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC)?
Answer:
Tehran
The JEC is the primary mechanism for discussing economic and trade cooperation. Recent sessions in Tehran have focused on removing non-tariff barriers, finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and implementing the border market strategy to boost bilateral commerce.
