With a history of hostility between the two nations, are we witnessing the start of war
Pakistan and Iran are once again at odds after the two nations struck alleged militant hideouts. The attacks occurred in the sovereign territories of each neighbour within 48 hours of each strike.
Tehran attacked the bases of militant groups in the Pakistani territory, for its attack, Pakistan targeted separatist Baloch militants in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, killing at least nine people, Reuters reported.
Pakistan and Iran History
The two neighbours have a long and tumultuous pastime with each other. Each accusing the other of harbouring Islamic militant groups operating from regions along their shared border. Pakistan has a predominately Sunni population while Iran has a predominately Shia population.
Since the death of the prophet of Islam, Sunni and Shia forces have constantly been at war. The wars have been for control and dominance over the people who follow Islam.
Military Comparison: Pakistan vs Iran
Pakistan has been ranked as the ninth strongest military globally in the latest assessment by the Global Firepower Index. Whereas, Iran holds the 14th position in the same country rankings. Both Iran and Pakistan have acquired or developed nuclear weaponry.
Pakistan has a formidable military, comprising of army, air force, and navy batallions. The Pakistan army is equipped with diverse battle-tanks, and an array of armoured fighting vehicles. It has approximately 650,000 active-duty personnel and 550,000 reserve personnel, taking the total to almost 1,200,000.
Pakistan has 1,434 aircraft, including renowned fighters like the F-16 and JF-17 Thunder, is a formidable challenger. The Pakistan Navy, with around 30,000 active-duty personnel, maintains a versatile naval fleet, featuring frigates, submarines, and patrol vessels.
Standing opposed to Pakistan are the Iranian Armed Forces. Which are considered to be the largest in terms of active troops throughout the Middle East. Iran has an impressive military structure. Iran’s armed forces comprise of approximately 610,000 active-duty personnel. The nation also maintains a substantial reserve, with 350,000 trained personnel prepared for mobilization.
Iran possesses a substantial military force. It comprises of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy.
The IRIAF, with over 500 aircraft, is a key player in Iran’s defence. The Iranian Navy, with approximately 20,000 active-duty personnel, maintains a diverse fleet is ready to activate in international waters when called on.
Possible Outcomes
As the world observes wars in Ukraine and Israel, the question is whether the aggressions between Iran and Pakistan will lead to wider conflict. For those in the region a war would cause more devastating conditions for those who living near the borders between the nations. Globally speaking, another war, would cause more economic volatility, inflationary pricing, and less access to vital resources such as food commodities.
