Pakistan, Iran agree to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism, border security

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Tuesday agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism, counternarcotics, border security and efforts to combat illegal immigration and human smuggling during talks between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni in Islamabad.

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, who arrived in Pakistan on a three-day official visit, was received by Mohsin Naqvi at the Ministry of Interior, where a contingent of the Federal Constabulary presented him with a guard of honour.

Following a one-on-one meeting, the two ministers led delegation-level talks focusing on Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, regional security, promotion of trade and enhanced institutional cooperation.

Both sides agreed to expand collaboration in counterterrorism, counternarcotics, curbing illegal immigration and preventing human smuggling. They also emphasised the need for a coordinated strategy to tackle terrorism and narcotics trafficking along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and agreed to strengthen bilateral coordination through closer cooperation between relevant institutions.

Speaking after the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan remained fully committed to expanding cooperation with Iran across all sectors. He also appreciated the efforts of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in promoting peace and expressed hope that positive developments would pave the way for lasting stability in the region.

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The Iranian delegation included the Governor General of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran’s deputy interior minister, deputy minister for urban development and transport, the head of the National Iranian Oil Company, the special representative of the Iranian minister of agriculture and other senior officials.

The Pakistani side included Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the federal secretary for interior, the chairman of NADRA, the directors general of the FIA, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Constabulary, NCCIA, Immigration and Passports, the chairman of the Capital Development Authority, the inspector general of Islamabad Police and senior officials of the Ministry of Interior.