Iran’s interior minister discusses border security with CDF Asim Munir

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni called on the Defense Chief and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the headquarters in Rawalpindi, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “During the meeting, issues of common interest, regional and bilateral security and effective border management were discussed”.

It added that the visiting Iranian dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s consistent efforts and indispensable diplomatic role in easing regional tensions, encouraging de-escalation and serving as an anchor for peace.

“The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the will to maintain close coordination and cooperation mechanisms to ensure regional security and mutual prosperity,” the ISPR noted.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the US and Iran to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilize the region during a meeting with Momeni.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Prime Minister shared his deep concern over the recent escalation in the Gulf region and called on all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilize the region.

“While stressing that Pakistan would continue to play its role as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to regional peace and stability,” the statement added.

The PMO said the Prime Minister welcomed the Iranian Interior Minister and his delegation to Pakistan.

Earlier, Momeni attended a ceremonial parade at the Islamabad Police Lines during his visit to Pakistan, where he praised the force’s professionalism and presented awards to officers for outstanding performance, according to updates shared by the Ministry of Interior on X.

Momeni arrived in Islamabad on Monday with a high-level delegation amid fresh tensions in the Middle East. The Iranian delegation includes the Governor General of Sistan-Baluchistan, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Interior, Deputy Minister of Urban Development and Transport, head of the National Iranian Oil Company, a special representative of the Minister of Agriculture and other senior officials.

The visit came amid heightened regional tensions after the US and Iran exchanged strikes, with Washington targeting sites in Iran and Tehran’s forces retaliating against US military assets in the region. The US and Iran signed a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding last month to end their conflict and reach a lasting peace deal, but tensions have escalated again.