Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad on Monday on an official visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation for talks with Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed his Iranian counterpart at the airport. Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry were also present to receive the visiting delegation.
Greeting the Iranian minister, Naqvi said, “Welcome to Pakistan.”
High-Level Delegation Accompanies Iranian Minister
The Iranian delegation includes senior government officials from several key sectors, including:
- The Governor-General of Sistan and Baluchestan Province.
- Iran’s Deputy Interior Minister.
- The Deputy Minister for Urban Development and Transport.
- The head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).
- The special representative of Iran’s agriculture minister.
- Other senior officials.
The visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, border management, energy, and regional security.
Focus on Expanding Bilateral Trade
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival, Momeni said the primary purpose of his visit was to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
He noted that both countries had previously agreed to increase bilateral trade to an initial target of $10 billion.
According to Momeni, current trade between Pakistan and Iran stands at approximately $3 billion, leaving significant room for growth.
He said achieving the agreed target would require improved infrastructure and trade facilities along the shared border.
Better Border Infrastructure Needed
The Iranian minister explained that reaching the $10 billion trade target would require the movement of nearly 2,000 trucks per day, or an equivalent level of commercial activity.
However, he said only about 20% of the required trade movement is currently taking place, highlighting the need for improved transportation networks, customs facilities, and border logistics.
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Bilateral Meeting With Mohsin Naqvi
Following his arrival, Momeni held talks with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad.
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest, including regional developments.
During the meeting, Momeni referred to Naqvi as his “brother” and praised the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Iran.
“I have always appreciated the hospitality of the government and people of Pakistan,” the Iranian minister said.
Naqvi expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral cooperation and voiced hope for positive developments regarding the regional situation.
“I hope Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has brought good news. Your visit to Pakistan will further promote bilateral relations, and we also hope for progress on the regional situation,” Naqvi said.
Meetings With Pakistan’s Leadership
As part of his visit, Momeni is scheduled to hold separate meetings with:
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
- Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir
The discussions are expected to cover bilateral cooperation, border security, regional peace, trade, and other issues of mutual interest.
Visit Comes Amid Regional Tensions
Momeni’s visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz, where renewed friction between Iran and the United States has raised concerns about regional stability.
Iran has indicated that diplomatic contacts with the United States continue through mediators despite recent military tensions.
Pakistan has repeatedly called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to regional disputes. Last week, Islamabad reiterated its support for efforts to end hostilities and resume negotiations under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that Pakistan helped facilitate between the two sides last month.
The Iranian minister has previously participated in mediation efforts and also met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during the latter’s visit to Iran, reflecting continued diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries.
