TEHRAN — Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Afghanistan’s Deputy Interior Minister Mullah Mohammad Ibrahim Sadr on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) interior ministers’ meeting, calling for dialogue to resolve bilateral issues. The two leaders were seen exchanging handshakes and sitting together in a cordial manner, with footage released by Iranian media showing Naqvi placing a hand on Sadr’s shoulder during the conversation.
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Naqvi stressed the need to settle disagreements “through negotiations like brotherly countries,” saying differences should be resolved by dialogue. The Pakistani minister framed the encounter as a gesture of goodwill amid strained ties, urging continued engagement to defuse tensions.
Mullah Sadr, a senior Taliban military commander noted for hardline positions toward Pakistan, attended the talks as part of the Afghan delegation. The meeting came after recent rounds of Pakistan–Taliban negotiations in Istanbul collapsed and followed a period of sharp rhetoric between officials from both sides.
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The visit and meeting underscore Islamabad’s preference for diplomatic channels even as Pakistani leaders have issued stern warnings over cross-border militancy. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has previously warned that Pakistan retains the capability to respond forcefully if attacks continue, highlighting the fragile mix of diplomacy and deterrence shaping current ties.