TEHRAN, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (WNP): Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, on Tuesday paid a significant visit to the General Staff Headquarters in Tehran in a major stride toward deepening regional cooperation, where he held wide-ranging talks with Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.
The high-level military discussions centered on the evolving regional security environment and emphasized the importance of bolstering bilateral defence ties. Key areas of mutual interest included enhancing military-to-military collaboration, improving joint security mechanisms along the shared border, and transforming border regions into hubs of trade and economic activity — a step both sides believe is vital for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the broader region.
Upon his arrival, the Pakistani Army Chief was warmly welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour presented by a well-dressed contingent of the Iranian Armed Forces, underscoring the camaraderie between the two nations.
Earlier, Field Marshal Munir, alongside Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, met with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Hosseini Khamenei and President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. The meetings are part of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic and strategic outreach during the Prime Minister-led official visit to Türkiye, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
Enhanced pilgrimage coordination, border cooperation
In a parallel engagement, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Mashhad on an official visit, where he was received by the Governor General of Khorasan Province, Gholam Hossein Mozaffari. The Minister offered prayers at the revered shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.), where he prayed for lasting peace, prosperity, and regional stability. He also lauded the Iranian authorities for their dedicated efforts in facilitating Pakistani pilgrims.
On Wednesday, Minister Naqvi held a crucial meeting with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in Tehran. The discussions led to several landmark decisions aimed at streamlining pilgrimage arrangements and enhancing bilateral border coordination.
To better serve religious pilgrims during Muharram and Arbaeen, both sides agreed to keep the Pakistan-Iran border open 24 hours a day. The Iranian government will provide accommodation and meals for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad, marking a significant gesture of brotherhood.
In a move to expedite issue resolution and coordination, a dedicated hotline will be established between the interior ministries of both nations. Additionally, a trilateral coordination meeting involving Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq will be convened in Mashhad before Arbaeen to finalize logistics for the mass pilgrimage.
The two ministers also discussed increasing the number of flights and exploring maritime routes to transport pilgrims. Cooperation in countering illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling was reaffirmed as a mutual priority.
Minister Naqvi extended his appreciation to the Iranian leadership for their hospitality and support, and assured Pakistan’s full cooperation in resolving the matter of Iranian fishermen who had inadvertently crossed into Pakistani waters.
Senior officials from both countries attended the high-level meetings, reflecting a shared commitment to long-term partnership and regional harmony.
