Mohsin Naqvi meets PM Shehbaz ahead of Iran visit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday ahead of his upcoming visit to Tehran, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

Naqvi’s visit to Tehran is significant as Pakistan continues its efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran in a bid to end their more than three-month-long conflict.

During the meeting, Naqvi briefed the PM on his meetings held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. “Consultations also took place between the prime minister and the interior minister regarding his upcoming visit to Tehran. The prime minister provided guidance related to the visit,” the statement added.

A day earlier, Naqvi met his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni. The two ministers held an important meeting focusing on bilateral relations and the current regional situation.

During the talks, both ministers exchanged views on Pakistan-Iran relations and recent regional developments, according to a post by the Interior Ministry.

In the meeting, a detailed exchange of views also took place on the country’s overall law and order situation and prevailing security conditions between the premier and the interior minister.

The interior minister informed the prime minister about the measures being taken to maintain peace and security across the country and ensure the protection of citizens, the statement said.

PM Shehbaz emphasised the need for close coordination among all relevant institutions and the adoption of a unified strategy to strengthen law and order and further enhance national security.