Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrives in Pakistan

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni Arrives in Islamabad for High-Level Talks

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad on Monday night for an official visit, beginning a series of high-level meetings with Pakistani leaders focused on bilateral cooperation and the ongoing US-Iran conflict, as reported by Dawn.

Upon his arrival, Momeni was received by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. A guard of honour was presented to the visiting minister by the Federal Constabulary, according to a statement from the interior ministry cited by Dawn.

Coverage Comparison

Multiple reports from Dawn and a brief report from TASS — English covered Momeni’s visit. Dawn provided detailed accounts of his meetings with Pakistani leaders, while TASS — English, citing Al Hadath television channel, reported that Momeni would meet with the Pakistani leadership in Islamabad, without further details.

Dawn’s reports highlighted that Momeni’s visit comes as Pakistan continues its diplomatic efforts to mediate between the US and Iran, following a collapsed interim ceasefire. The visit also involved discussions on enhancing bilateral ties, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and trade.

Key Claims

• Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Islamabad on an official visit on Monday night, as reported by Dawn.
• Upon arrival, he was received by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, according to Dawn.
• Momeni held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House in Islamabad, Dawn reported. The premier expressed concern over the escalation in the Middle East and reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to mediate as an “honest and sincere mediator and facilitator.”
• Momeni also met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where matters of mutual interest, regional and bilateral security, and effective border management were discussed, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) cited by Dawn.
• During the meeting with Munir, Momeni appreciated Pakistan’s consistent efforts and its diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, encouraging de-escalation and serving as an anchor for peace, as reported by Dawn citing ISPR.
• In a meeting between Interior Ministers Naqvi and Momeni, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, prevention of illegal immigration, and efforts against human trafficking, according to a statement from the interior ministry reported by Dawn.
• Naqvi said that Pakistan is ready to increase cooperation with Iran in all fields, as quoted by Dawn.
• Pakistan and Iran aim to triple annual bilateral trade to $10bn, Dawn reported.
• Pakistan mediated a now-collapsed interim ceasefire between the US and Iran, according to Dawn reports. The visit is part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to rescue the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last month.
• The US carried out strikes in Iran for the 10th consecutive day, as reported by Dawn.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Pakistan’s newly appointed ambassador, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, in Tehran and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, identifying peace and security as key objectives, Dawn reported.

Perspectives

Pakistan’s Government: In meetings with Momeni, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in the Gulf region and urged all sides to exercise restraint. He reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to regional peace and its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator, according to an official press release cited by Dawn. Interior Minister Naqvi expressed readiness to increase cooperation with Iran in all fields, praising the efforts of Iranian officials for peace.

Iran’s Government: Interior Minister Momeni appreciated Pakistan’s consistent efforts and diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, as reported by Dawn citing ISPR. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic role in recent regional developments and identified peace and security as shared objectives with Pakistan, Dawn reported.

Military Leadership: Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir discussed regional and bilateral security and effective border management with Momeni. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of resolve to maintain close coordination for regional security and mutual prosperity, according to ISPR cited by Dawn.