Iran's interior minister arrives in Islamabad for high-level talks

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad on Monday on an official visit, leading a high-level delegation for talks with Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership amid evolving regional developments.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi received his Iranian counterpart at Islamabad International Airport, where Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry presented a bouquet to the visiting minister.

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam was also present on the occasion.

Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Naqvi described Momeni as “my brother” and said he hoped the Iranian minister had brought “good news.” He expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen bilateral ties and hoped it would also lead to progress on regional issues.

The Iranian delegation includes the Governor General of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province, deputy interior minister, deputy minister for urban development and transport, the head of the National Iranian Oil Company, the special representative of Iran’s agriculture minister, and other senior officials.

During his stay, Momeni is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He also held a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi shortly after his arrival.

Speaking during the meeting, Momeni said he was pleased to meet “his brother” Mohsin Naqvi again, describing Pakistan-Iran relations as exemplary. He also praised the hospitality extended by the Pakistani government and people.

Naqvi expressed confidence that the Iranian minister’s visit would prove beneficial for both countries.

Background

The visit comes amid heightened regional diplomacy, with Pakistan continuing efforts to facilitate dialogue aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the United States. Earlier on Monday, a Pakistani interior ministry source told AFP that Momeni would hold talks with Pakistani officials during his visit, although no official confirmation was given on whether the trip was directly linked to Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

Pakistan last week reiterated its commitment to encouraging all sides to halt hostilities and resume negotiations under a memorandum of understanding it helped broker last month.

Iran has also indicated that diplomatic contacts with the United States through mediators remain ongoing despite recent military tensions.

Momeni has previously participated in mediation-related discussions and hosted Mohsin Naqvi during the Pakistani minister’s visit to Iran.