ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, border management and trade, with both sides pledging to adopt a joint stance to curb drug trafficking and terrorism along the Afghan border.

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived at the Ministry of Interior, where he was received by his Pakistani counterpart, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

A contingent of the Federal Constabulary presented a guard of honour to the visiting dignitary. Members of the Iranian delegation were introduced to Minister Naqvi, while heads of attached departments of the Ministry of Interior were introduced to the Iranian minister.

The two interior ministers held a one-to-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and trade, and also discussed the regional situation. Both sides decided to enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics.

Vow to expand railway link, regional connectivity

They also agreed to promote cooperation to prevent illegal immigration and human smuggling. Stressing the need for a joint approach, the ministers underlined the importance of coordinated efforts to stop drugs and terrorism emanating from the Afghan border.

It was also decided to improve coordination to enhance bilateral cooperation. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Naqvi said Pakistan was ready to expand cooperation with Iran in all fields.

He appreciated the role of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Momeni for their “extraordinary efforts for peace”. “I hope we will soon hear good news and peace will be established,” Mr Naqvi said.

The Iranian delegation included the Governor General of Sistan-Baluchistan, Deputy Interior Minister, Deputy Minister for Urban Development and Transport, Head of the National Iranian Oil Company, Special Representative of the Minister of Agriculture and other senior officials.

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Federal Interior Secretary retired Capt Khurram Agha, Chairman of Nadra Lt General Munir Afsar, DG of FIA Dr Usman Anwar and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

In a related development Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni agreed to expand railway cooperation and strengthen cross-border connectivity between the two countries. Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghaddam also attended the meeting. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen religious, historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran.

They also stressed the need for peace, stability, mutual cooperation and enhanced diplomatic engagement in the region. The two sides held detailed discussions on railway cooperation, cross-border links and promotion of bilateral trade.

Mr Abbasi said the work on the upgradation of Main Line-3 (ML-3) was expected to begin in the current fiscal year, with the project likely to be completed by December 2029.

He termed ML-3 a “key corridor” for railway connectivity between Pakistan and Iran, adding that its upgradation would give a significant boost to trade and regional linkages.

The minister appreciated the Iranian government and Iranian Railways for their efforts to rehabilitate the Zahedan-Taftan railway section. He said at the request of Iranian Railways, Taftan Railway Station had been declared a customs clearance station, which would facilitate cross-border freight and shunting operations.

The meeting also discussed the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service and measures to enhance regional connectivity. Both sides agreed to further expand railway cooperation under the 1959 bilateral railway agreement and the 2025 Framework of Cooperation. The two leaders expressed resolve to further strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and Iran in railways, trade, border connectivity and economic collaboration so that both countries and the entire region could benefit.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2026