Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and enhancing cooperation on regional security during high-level talks between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Momeni arrived at Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior to a warm reception by Naqvi, where a smartly turned-out contingent of the Federal Constabulary presented a guard of honour.
The two ministers exchanged greetings before senior officials from both sides were introduced, underscoring the significance attached to the visit.
During their bilateral discussions, the two ministers reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan-Iran relations and expressed a shared resolve to further deepen economic and commercial ties. Delegation-level talks followed, focusing on practical measures to improve coordination and expand institutional cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in counterterrorism and anti-narcotics operations and to strengthen joint efforts against illegal immigration and human trafficking. The ministers also emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to prevent the flow of narcotics and terrorism from the Afghan border region, describing it as a shared challenge that requires collective action.
Naqvi said Pakistan was fully prepared to expand cooperation with Iran in all sectors and stressed the importance of better coordination mechanisms to translate political understanding into effective implementation.
In remarks reflecting the broader regional context, the Pakistani minister praised Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni for what he described as their extraordinary efforts for peace. “We hope that positive developments will emerge soon and that peace will prevail,” he said.
The visit, marked by ceremonial honours and substantive negotiations, highlighted the growing momentum in Pakistan-Iran engagement at a time when both countries are seeking closer coordination on border management, regional stability and economic connectivity.
Railway Minister
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said on Wednesday that Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding railway cooperation and enhancing regional connectivity.
During a meeting with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Hanif Abbasi welcomed him to Pakistan and said the visit was an important step towards further deepening the longstanding brotherly ties between the two neighbouring countries.
The meeting focused on expanding railway cooperation, improving cross-border connectivity and facilitating bilateral trade through enhanced rail links.
Hanif Abbasi informed the delegation that work on the upgradation of Main Line-3 (ML-3) is expected to commence during the current fiscal year, with completion anticipated by December 2029.
He said ML-3 would serve as the principal railway corridor linking Pakistan and Iran and would significantly boost bilateral trade and regional connectivity upon completion.
The minister also appreciated the cooperation extended by the Iranian government and Iranian Railways in the restoration of the Zahedan-Taftan railway section.
He said Taftan Railway Station had been designated as a customs clearance station at the request of Iranian Railways, a move that would facilitate cross-border freight movement and shunting operations.
The two sides also discussed the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service to promote regional trade and connectivity.
Both countries agreed to further expand railway collaboration under the 1959 bilateral railway agreement and the 2025 Framework of Cooperation.