Iranian Interior Minister Asim Munir discusses border security with the CDF

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the army’s media wing said on Tuesday.

An Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said: “During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional and bilateral security and effective border management were discussed.”

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

“The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of resolve to maintain close coordination and cooperation mechanisms to safeguard regional security and mutual prosperity,” ISPR said.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the United States 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 urged all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further destabilize the region.”

“While emphasizing 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 Islamabad police lines during his visit to Pakistan, where he praised the force’s professionalism and presented awards to officers for their outstanding performance, according to updates shared by the Ministry of Interior on X.

Momeni arrived in Islamabad on Monday along 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 interior minister, deputy urban development and transportation minister, head of the National Iranian Oil Company, a special representative of the agriculture minister and other senior officials.

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