PM Shehbaz reiterates commitment to regional peace in meeting with Iranian interior minister

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional peace and stability during a meeting with Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, who is on an official visit to Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting at the Prime Minister House was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Syed Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other senior officials.

Welcoming the Iranian delegation, the prime minister recalled his recent visit to Tehran to attend the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei and conveyed his best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Shehbaz expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in the Gulf region and urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilise the region.

He reiterated that Pakistan would continue to play the role of an “honest and sincere mediator and facilitator” while reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional peace and stability.

Momeni thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and conveyed greetings from the Iranian leadership. He said he was leading a high-level delegation to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The Iranian minister also appreciated the mediation efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying their efforts contributed to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

He also thanked the prime minister for travelling to Tehran earlier this month to attend the funeral ceremony of the late Iranian supreme leader.

Iranian interior minister meets Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir

Meanwhile, Iranian interior minister also met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional and bilateral security and effective border management were discussed,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

“The visiting Iranian dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s consistent efforts and indispensable diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, encouraging de-escalation and serving as an anchor for peace.

“The meeting concluded on reaffirmation of resolve to maintain close coordination and cooperative mechanisms to safeguard regional security and mutual prosperity,” it said.