Naqvi, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman discusses political, economic and security challenges

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman at the party’s headquarters in Mansoorah on Tuesday, where the two leaders discussed the country’s political, economic and security situation, according to a statement issued by the interior ministry.

The meeting also focused on the regional landscape following the recent Iran-US rapprochement. Both leaders described the development as a positive step towards stability and peace in the region.

Rehman praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating efforts that contributed to the understanding between Tehran and Washington, saying the country’s contribution would be remembered as a significant diplomatic achievement.

Naqvi briefed the JI chief on the Iran-US talks and the government’s related diplomatic initiatives. He said Pakistan had played an important role in easing regional tensions and credited the country’s leadership for supporting efforts aimed at peace.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Field Marshal played an unforgettable role in promoting peace,” Naqvi was quoted as saying in the statement, adding that Pakistan deserved recognition for helping reduce tensions in the region.

Read: Islamabad is credited with rare diplomatic breakthrough

The two leaders also discussed measures to improve the economy and provide relief to the public.

During the meeting, Rehman raised the issue of Pakistani nationals stranded in Somalia and urged the government to use diplomatic channels to ensure their safe and early return. He said the Iran-US understanding had paved the way for lasting peace in the entire region.

Eleven Pakistani nationals were taken hostage when the MT Honor 25 was hijacked off the southeast coast of Somalia on 21 April. More than 50 days later, the Pakistani crew members, along with the rest of the vessel’s crew, remain in captivity.

According to the hostages, the negotiations have stalled because the shipping company has delegated conversations to a third party instead of contacting the pirates directly. The pirates reportedly refuse to recognize the middleman and insist on dealing with authorized representatives of the company, leaving no effective negotiation channel in place.

Naqvi said he was grateful that Pakistan’s efforts for peace had been accepted and recognized, according to the statement.