By, Zaheer ALAM
President APJA
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was established in 1979 after the Iranian Revolution to safeguard the newly formed Islamic Republic. The main reasons for its formation were:
Protecting the Revolution – To prevent counter-revolutionary forces, both internal and external, from reversing the revolution.
Countering Military Threats – The existing military (Iranian Army) was seen as unreliable since many of its members had served under the Shah.
Maintaining Internal Security – The IRGC was tasked with suppressing opposition groups, including leftists, monarchists, and ethnic separatists.
Expanding the Islamic Ideology – The IRGC later became a force to spread the Islamic Revolution beyond Iran, especially in the Middle East.
Why Did the Revolution Happen?
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 was a result of multiple political, social, and economic factors:
Opposition to the Shah’s Autocracy – Mohammad Reza Shah ruled as an authoritarian monarch, suppressing opposition through SAVAK (his secret police).
Western Influence & Corruption – Many Iranians believed the Shah was too close to the U.S. and Britain, leading to economic inequality and cultural westernization.
Economic Discontent – Rapid modernization led to inflation, unemployment, and economic disparity, especially for the lower classes.
Religious Leadership & Ayatollah Khomeini – Shi’a clerics, especially Ayatollah Khomeini, mobilized the masses by condemning the Shah’s policies as un-Islamic and unjust.
Desire for Social Justice – Many Iranians wanted a government that better represented Islamic values and national identity.
Where Does Today’s Iran Stand in Achieving the Revolution’s Goals?
The Iranian Revolution aimed to establish a government based on Islamic values, independence from foreign influence, and social justice. Over 40 years later, Iran has achieved some goals but faces major challenges:
- Independence from Foreign Powers:
✅ Iran has resisted U.S. and Western influence, maintaining sovereignty over its policies. - Islamic Governance:
✅ Iran remains a theocratic republic with Supreme Leader control. - Influence in the Region:
✅ Iran has expanded its influence through groups like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and militias in Iraq and Syria.
Impact on Pakistan-Iran Relations
Religious & Ideological Shift – Pakistan, which had close ties with the Shah’s Iran, had to adjust its policies. Iran’s new leadership sought to spread revolutionary Shiism, creating sectarian tensions in Pakistan.
Security Concerns – The revolution led to increased sectarian violence in Pakistan, with Sunni-Shia conflicts becoming more pronounced.
Economic & Energy Relations – Despite political shifts, Pakistan and Iran continued trade, especially in energy. However, U.S. sanctions on Iran limited cooperation.
Geopolitical Alignments – Pakistan maintained good ties with Saudi Arabia and the U.S., both of whom were opposed to revolutionary Iran. This sometimes-created diplomatic friction between Pakistan and Iran.
Afghan War Dynamics – During the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), Pakistan supported Afghan Mujahideen backed by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, while Iran supported Shiite factions, leading to differences in Afghan policy.
Despite ideological differences, Pakistan and Iran have maintained diplomatic ties, focusing on trade and regional security, though tensions have persisted over sectarian issues and border security.
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