Pakistan, Iran agree to expand security cooperation as Naqvi reaffirms commitment to regional peace

-- The two interior ministers discuss counterterrorism, cybersecurity and post-agreement regional stability

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, counterterrorism and regional stability, as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni that Islamabad would continue playing an active role in efforts aimed at securing lasting peace in the Middle East.

The assurance came during a high-level meeting held in Islamabad on the sidelines of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit to Pakistan.

President Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday accompanied by a senior delegation, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. During the visit, the Iranian delegation held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior, the two interior ministers reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Iran relations and exchanged views on the evolving regional situation following recent diplomatic developments between Iran and the United States.

Naqvi congratulated Momeni on the successful conclusion of the negotiations that culminated in the joint communiqué issued after talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.

He observed that the progress achieved in the peace process reflected the sincere efforts of the Iranian leadership and acknowledged Momeni’s personal role in advancing dialogue.

“The agreement would not have been possible without the commitment and constructive approach demonstrated by the Iranian government,” Naqvi remarked.

The interior minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to promoting peace and stability at both regional and international levels.

“Pakistan has always advocated dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts,” he said, adding that Islamabad would continue supporting efforts aimed at achieving durable peace in the Middle East.

Naqvi expressed confidence that the ongoing diplomatic process would produce positive and far-reaching consequences for regional security, economic stability and international cooperation.

He also voiced hope that the momentum generated by the recent peace initiatives would contribute to reducing tensions and fostering long-term stability across the broader region.

The two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in a range of strategic sectors, including security coordination, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, immigration management and law-enforcement collaboration.

Officials noted that closer institutional engagement between the interior ministries of both countries would help address shared challenges and strengthen border security mechanisms.

The meeting reflected the growing importance both countries attach to coordinated responses against transnational threats and emerging security challenges.

During the discussions, Momeni thanked the Government of Pakistan for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to President Pezeshkian and the accompanying delegation.

The Iranian interior minister expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and underscored Tehran’s desire to further deepen cooperation with Islamabad.

“I intend to undertake a detailed visit to Pakistan in the near future to advance collaboration between the interior ministries of the two countries,” Momeni said.

His proposed visit is expected to focus on strengthening institutional linkages, enhancing security coordination and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

The meeting was attended by several senior Pakistani officials, including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Interior Secretary, Additional Interior Secretary, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Commandant of the National Police Academy and Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

Their participation underscored the significance attached to expanding bilateral cooperation in security and law-enforcement matters.

President Pezeshkian’s visit marks his second trip to Pakistan since assuming office and comes at a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy.

Pakistan and Iran have intensified efforts in recent years to expand economic engagement, improve border management, increase bilateral trade and strengthen people-to-people contacts.

The visit also follows the recent diplomatic breakthrough between Iran and the United States under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed on June 18 with Pakistan serving as a key mediator.

The first round of follow-up talks between Tehran and Washington concluded in Switzerland earlier this week under the joint mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, paving the way for further technical negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement.

Observers view the growing engagement between Islamabad and Tehran as part of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and stability across the region.

With negotiations between Iran and the United States progressing and regional stakeholders seeking to consolidate gains achieved through diplomacy, Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to facilitating peaceful engagement and fostering cooperation among all parties.

The discussions between Naqvi and Momeni highlighted the shared determination of Pakistan and Iran to deepen bilateral cooperation while contributing to wider regional peace, security and prosperity.