MUCH importance is attached to symbolism in international diplomacy, and the fact that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s first foreign visit after the cessation of the war with the US-Israel combine was to Pakistan speaks volumes. The Iranian leader received a warm welcome in Islamabad on Tuesday, with the top civilian and military leadership rolling out the red carpet for the distinguished guest and his delegation. Relations between both states were always cordial — with some hiccups — yet there seems to be a newfound respect for Pakistan within Iran after this country played a key role in helping wind down the aggression against its western neighbour.