Pakistan, Iran agree to deepen security, border cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, border security, illegal immigration and human trafficking as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held talks with his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, in Islamabad.

Momeni, who is leading a high-level delegation on an official visit to Pakistan, held wide-ranging discussions with Naqvi on regional security, bilateral cooperation and border management.

According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the two sides agreed to adopt a coordinated strategy to combat terrorism and drug trafficking along the Pakistan-Iran-Afghanistan border, with particular focus on addressing security threats emanating from Afghanistan.

The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, boosting trade and strengthening coordination mechanisms between the two neighbouring countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said Pakistan was ready to broaden cooperation with Iran in all sectors and appreciated the efforts of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in promoting regional peace.

The Iranian delegation included senior officials from the ministries of interior, transport, agriculture and the National Iranian Oil Company, as well as the Governor General of Sistan-Baluchestan province.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, senior officials of the Interior Ministry, and heads of key institutions, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Federal Constabulary and Islamabad Police.

Railway Cooperation

Separately, Momeni met Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi to review progress on key connectivity projects, including the Main Line-3 (ML-3), the Zahedan-Taftan railway section and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service.

The two sides discussed measures to enhance rail connectivity, border trade and economic cooperation, with Abbasi describing the projects as vital to strengthening bilateral ties.

Momeni appreciated Pakistan's support during the recent regional crisis and praised the diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, reaffirming Iran's commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Visit to NDMA

The Iranian interior minister also visited the National Disaster Management Authority's (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), where he praised Pakistan's technology-driven disaster management system and expressed interest in expanding cooperation on disaster preparedness, early warning systems and climate resilience.

NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik briefed the delegation on Pakistan's disaster response capabilities, emergency preparedness and the use of advanced technologies in risk management.

Momeni commended Pakistan's progress in disaster management and said greater institutional cooperation and knowledge-sharing between the two countries would strengthen the region's capacity to respond to natural disasters and the growing challenges posed by climate change.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration in disaster risk reduction, early warning systems and capacity building.

The visit comes amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, with Pakistan and Iran maintaining close diplomatic engagement on regional peace, border security and economic cooperation.