Pakistan and Afghanistan have been bled dry by losses in terms of men and material coupled with the severe damage done to the social fabric of their civil societies. A war that was initiated to trap a wild bear gave birth to herds of hyenas that came back to hunt the hounds at home resulting in the militarisation of our societies. Iran, while pursuing its nuclear dreams, suffered economic losses, international isolation and the menace of narcotics, a gift wrapped in the warm hospitality of 950,000 Afghan brethren. Pakistan, after paying the costliest price for supporting its own and foreign proxies, and suffering because of their post-conflict agendas, now looks to stabilise the South Asian region. South Asia is the second largest area housing to the extreme poor (400 million living on less than $ 1.25) in the world after Sub-Saharan Africa. Pakistan has 50 percent of its population (92.5 million people of 185 million) residing below the international poverty line (two dollars a day) and 12.7 percent (23.5 million) living in extreme or grinding poverty. In Pakistan, the situation does seem to be improving in many ways. Maturing democracy, an improving security situation, partially efficient judicial system, partially independent media and a long-awaited balance in civil-military relations coupled with a partially skilled youth bulge offer considerably promising attractions to foreign investors. Yet again at the crossroads of destiny, the country appears to have chosen the path of knowledge, peace and progress. China, a calculated but trusted ally, has read this all and has decided to bet on Pakistan by announcing a great multibillion dollar project named the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Iran, after putting its thumb impression on its much-debated nuclear deal, appears to be recovering from economic downturns and international isolation. From varying international roles extending from being the ‘policeman of Asia’ to the ultimate ‘axis of evil’ the country now appears to be settling down with a stable economic agenda. While many speculate about the final destination of huge inflows of dollars, largely everyone agrees on bright prospects. Despite ever-increasing executions and embedded corruption in various government departments, huge foreign investments and tourism keeps knocking at its door. War-weary Afghanistan, with the presence of US troops somewhat guaranteeing the future of the current regime, needs education, growth and progress. With occasional risings of non-state actors, under the security of a somewhat improving Afghan national army, Afghanistan holds the master key of regional peace. Being an upper riparian state, hub of the world’s narco-mafia and house of readymade refugees, the indispensability and stability of Afghanistan, both for Pakistan and Iran, cannot be over-emphasised. With all the US’ support and financial assistance, the ruling regime must recede space for success in the political process and the better future of Afghanistan.Together these countries can rise for their own progress and that of the region. With all the historical cultural and religious ties they can have and can establish, they can peacefully co-exist and grow like the Europeans. With the powerful geo-political clout of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and increasing Chinese signature in the Indo-Pacific region, rallying behind the dragon offers a plausible strategic answer to settle the regional issues of all. Here are two of the policy directions that can help to build mutual trust and strategic alignment in the region. First of all, Pakistan must avoid siding with any parties in the ongoing sectarian war in the Middle East and play a positive role for the promotion of harmony between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, making Iran an essential part of the dialogue in Afghanistan, efforts should be made to reach an understanding among different factions of society. Secondly, Iran, while off-sighting sectarian vision in the true sense, must approach regional issues while focusing on the peace and progress of their populations and in the resgion, especially in the Middle East. With China and the US on board, and with Pakistani cooperation and Afghani consent, Iran can play a very significant and long-denied role in achieving a political solution involving lasting peace in Afghanistan. Finally, the three countries, holding together the tidings of the East, might turn these dreams into realities and progress together. It is still a mystery how Naimat Shah Wali, the 14th century Persian poet, forecasted a promising future for a state today called Pakistan. Equally difficult to imagine is what Dr Muhammad Allama Iqbal was exactly thinking about the future of the Muslims of the east while suggesting they have their capital in Tehran. Similarly, no one can surely claim where the army of Khorasan would ultimately rise from. Leaders are known to rise to the occasion. Can the leaders of these three countries join hands and answer the call of the times? Or will they just prove to be prisoners of their self-conceived and betraying definitions of success while others keep weeping and crying over the spilt blood of the Muslims of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Middle East? Dr Abdur Rehman Cheema has research interests in social development issues. He is based at the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad and can be reached at arehmancheema@gmail.com. Ali Cheema is a freelance columnist