In a modern and sophisticated geopolitical world, correct information is the basis of peaceful relations within the region and international relations. False accounts that purport the closure of the Pakistan-Iran border in recent days are not only misleading but also contrary to the interests of the countries. These unconfirmed allegations have the potential of heating tempers and compromising the delicate peace that has been established in the region where collaboration is needed most due to the increased threats.
Despite the false news that has been spread on different sites, the Pak-Iran border is open and functional. Normal passage of persons and cargo is still going on porous to the existing security measures. Such temporary changes to the flow of traffic are practical answers to circumstances on the ground and have nothing to do with any diplomatic collapse or political decision to close the border.
The current state of insecurity in Iran has contributed to the decline in the level of volume of trade and transit. Likewise, a historically important process such as the movement of pilgrims between Pakistan and Iran is put on hold. These are, however, temporary security-based measures and not indicators of aggression or interest. As a matter of fact, several pilgrims and visitors have now managed to safely enter Pakistan without any hitches, strengthening the operational capacity of the border.
These developments need to be interpreted in the light of lawful security concerns. Management of the border is a sovereign issue and depends on the necessity to secure the people and to have stability. The actions of the country of Pakistan in the operations of the border are justified only by the internal evaluation and the existing level of security. These decisions are completely uninfluenced by any outside pressure, geopolitical interests, and biased sectarian stories.
This logic informs Pakistan of its adherence to sovereign, responsible governance and underlays its respect for international norms. In a time of rapid propagation of misinformation, the wisdom of the state’s actions when balancing the borders and a security situation could not be more important to avoid a pandemonium and confusion.
The propaganda on border lockdowns is not just the offensive information that is not true; it is spread intentionally to create friction and confusion. These stories frequently come out in the case of vested interests trying to disarm regional stability and weaken the diplomatic stance of Pakistan.
Propagating these lies, in addition to misrepresenting reality, potentially threatens to disrupt a precarious balance of forces in the region. The area does not need divisive propaganda that raises unwarranted alarms among the population and other international observers, but rather cooperation and goodwill dialogue.
The necessity of a responsible media and a fact-based analysis cannot be overestimated in this era of real-time information. Policymakers and the international community depend on proper reporting to make informed foreign policy decisions and to make effective decisions.
Repeating speculations made without any verification is just the fulfilment of the interests of those who want to foster cynicism among the neighbouring states even more. The world needs journalists, analysts, and their fellow citizens to check facts, question everything they read, and oppose stories that lack any evidence.
The policy of the country of Pakistan towards its countries, such as Iran, is based on the need to respect each other, simple dialogue, and coexistence without violence. The Iran-Pakistan border is not, by any means, a mere geographical mark on the map; it is rather a very important lifeline connecting people together through trade, culture, and people-to-people contact.
Having open but safe borders to promote connectivity as well as the economy within a region is part of this undertaking. There is still great emphasis by Pakistan to employ diplomatic exchanges with Iran and other neighbours in our region to jointly tackle issues of security and other challenges that generate shared prosperity.
The lesson to be learnt by the international community from events should be that it is necessary to distinguish between fact and fiction. This politics of deception on the issue of border status and other sensitive matters has the potential of derailing attempts to foster trust and cooperation in a region whose strategic importance has been wrapped in a lot of value.
It is imperative to acknowledge the valid security issues that require some changes in operations. Similar consideration should be given to the liberation of the rights of sovereign states to control their borders in a responsible and accountable manner without being interfered with by undue influence or misleading foreign inputs.
Overall, the open Pakistan-Iran frontier is effective and continues to be alive and functional, but is governed wisely as part of complex safety issues. Spreading misinformation on the situation at the borders is not only incorrect but also harmful to the stability in a certain region and cross-country perception.
