Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad on Monday, accompanied by a senior delegation, to engage in official discussions with Pakistani leaders. At the airport, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed his Iranian counterpart. Also present were Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, who offered a bouquet to the visiting dignitary.
The Iranian delegation comprises 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, along with other senior officials.
Upon arrival, Momeni emphasized that the main aim of his visit was to deepen the cooperation between the neighboring countries and to advance collaboration in critical sectors. He highlighted a prior agreement to enhance bilateral trade to an initial goal of $10 billion, noting that current trade volume stands at approximately $3 billion. Achieving this target would necessitate developing suitable infrastructure and facilities on both sides of the border.
The Iranian minister explained that reaching the trade goal would require the daily movement of about 2,000 trucks or an equivalent commercial throughput. Currently, only around 20% of this level of trade activity is occurring. He also indicated that regional cooperation and the broader geopolitical climate would be key topics during his visit.
Later, Momeni held a meeting with Minister Naqvi in Islamabad, where they discussed bilateral relations and shared interests. Momeni expressed pleasure in meeting Naqvi again, referring to him as his “brother,” and described Pakistan-Iran relations as exemplary. He praised the hospitality extended by the Pakistani government and its people.
Naqvi expressed optimism that the visit would enhance bilateral cooperation and foster closer ties between the two neighbors. He also expressed hope for positive developments regarding regional issues, stating, “I hope Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has brought good news. Your visit will further promote bilateral relations, and we also hope for progress on the regional situation.”
During his stay, Momeni is scheduled to meet separately with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
This visit occurs amid escalating regional tensions, particularly between Iran and the United States over the Strait of Hormuz, which has cast uncertainty over a fragile interim agreement between the two countries. Despite recent US military strikes on Iran, diplomatic communications via intermediaries continue. Pakistan recently affirmed its commitment to encouraging both parties to halt hostilities and resume dialogue under a memorandum of understanding it helped mediate last month.
Renewed fighting this month has put the interim agreement and prospects for a lasting ceasefire at risk. Momeni has previously participated in mediation talks and met with Minister Naqvi during his visits to Iran.
