Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Seyyed Mohammad Atabak led a high-level trade delegation to the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Secretariat in Islamabad, holding bilateral talks focused on expanding regional economic cooperation and trade transit facilities.
High-level diplomatic and economic exchanges between Pakistan and Iranian officials accelerated this week as delegations convened to address bilateral commerce, border security, and trade agreements. The visit by Iranian trade officials brings renewed focus to long-standing economic ties between the two neighbors, coming alongside separate high-level security negotiations in the capital.
Bilateral Trade Talks and Joint Committee Sessions in Islamabad
The Iranian trade delegation, headed by Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Seyyed Mohammad Atabak, visited the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Secretariat in Islamabad. During the visit, Atabak acknowledged Pakistan’s role in maintaining trade flows during difficult periods.
“Pakistan extended significant support during challenging times in keeping Iranian trade flowing by providing trade transit facilities.”
Seyyed Mohammad Atabak, Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade
Atabak further emphasized the historical and social ties between the two nations, stating that the relationship is deeply rooted in shared history, religion, and social cooperation
. He noted that business communities from both sides presented valuable proposals expected to yield positive outcomes, adding that Pakistan’s strong stance became a source of strength for the Iranian nation
.
This diplomatic push aligns with the tenth session of the Joint Trade Committee scheduled in Islamabad, co-chaired by Pakistani Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and the visiting Iranian trade minister. The 16-member business delegation from the Iran Chamber of Commerce joined discussions centered on the Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and ways to expand bilateral commerce.
Interior Ministry Negotiations on Border Security and Counterterrorism
Alongside commercial meetings, security cooperation took center stage during a separate session at the Ministry of Interior. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed Iranian Interior Minister Iskandere Momini, where a Federal Constabulary guard rendered a salute to the visiting dignitary.
Delegation-level talks between the two interior ministries produced agreements to increase counterterrorism cooperation, combat drug trafficking, and curb illegal immigration and human smuggling. Both sides stressed the necessity of adopting a joint stance to halt narcotics and militant transit across the Afghan border while improving coordination for bilateral cooperation.
Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Interior Minister, stated that Pakistan is ready to increase cooperation with Iran in all fields.
Broad Ministerial Representation and Institutional Coordination
The visiting Iranian delegation includes high-ranking officials representing multiple sectors, reflecting an expansive scope for bilateral engagement. According to ministry details, the delegation features the Governor General of Sistan and Baluchestan, the Deputy Minister of Interior, the Deputy Minister of Urban Development and Transport, the head of the National Iranian Oil Company, and a special representative of the Minister of Agriculture.
On the Pakistani side, institutional representation spans multiple security and administrative bodies. Officials participating in the talks include Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Federal Interior Secretary, the Chairman of NADRA, the Director General of the FIA, the Director General of the Anti-Narcotics Force, the Inspector General of the Federal Constabulary, the Director General of Immigration and Passports, the Chairman of the CDA, and the Inspector General of Islamabad Police.
Economic Integration Amid Regional Diplomacy
The concurrent economic and security consultations underscore an effort to institutionalize cross-border cooperation. The Joint Trade Committee agenda addresses investments, banking cooperation, customs regulations, and border trade terminals, alongside private-sector networking proposals.
Interior Minister Naqvi also referenced broader diplomatic efforts in the region, noting that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Iskandere Momini had worked toward regional peace, expressing optimism that positive developments would soon emerge from ongoing diplomatic channels.
Keep reading
