Pakistan Interior Minister Travels to Iran to Address Security Concerns

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi arrived in Tehran on July 13, 2025, to discuss critical border security and pilgrimage issues with Iranian counterparts. The visit, including a trilateral meeting with Iraq’s Interior Minister, aims to strengthen regional cooperation amid ongoing tensions and militant threats, particularly along the volatile Pakistan-Iran border.

The 900-kilometer border between Pakistan and Iran, stretching across Balochistan and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces, has long been a hotspot for cross-border militancy. Naqvi’s visit, as announced by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) of Pakistan, focuses on curbing these threats, with specific attention to groups like Jaish al-Adl, which has staged attacks in Iran’s southeast. A 2023 attack in Rask, Iran, killed 11 security personnel, prompting Iran’s retaliatory strikes into Pakistan’s Balochistan in January 2024, targeting alleged militant bases. Pakistan’s swift response underscored the need for coordinated security measures, a key agenda item for Naqvi’s talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.

The trilateral meeting with Iraq’s Interior Minister addresses the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage, a significant event for Shia Muslims. Pakistan’s MoI reported that weekly flights to Iran have increased from six to 15, with 107 special flights planned for Arbaeen pilgrims to Iraq via Iran. Naqvi emphasized enhanced security and a new “Group Organizers System” starting January 2026 to streamline pilgrim travel, replacing the less-regulated “Salar” system. “Our priority is the safety and dignity of pilgrims,” Naqvi told Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), highlighting efforts to prevent exploitation during sacred journeys.

While the visit signals stronger Pakistan-Iran ties, regional dynamics complicate the agenda. Pakistan’s strategic balancing act—maintaining relations with Iran while preserving ties with Saudi Arabia and the United States—faces scrutiny. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), centered in Balochistan’s Gwadar port, adds pressure to secure the border against disruptions. Critics argue that Pakistan’s government must prioritize robust, transparent policies to counter militancy without relying on short-term fixes. Naqvi’s trip underscores the urgency of regional stability, but lasting progress demands sustained commitment to address deep-rooted security challenges.