Islamabad (TDI): Ali Larijani, who serves as the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reached Islamabad on Monday for a two-day visit, signaling a renewed push to strengthen Iran–Pakistan strategic cooperation.
During his stay, Pakistan will host a series of high-level meetings aimed at enhancing collaboration on counter-terrorism, improving border management, and addressing broader regional security concerns.
Larijani is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, underscoring the diplomatic weight of his visit.
In a post on X prior his arrival, Larijani called Pakistan a “friendly and brotherly country,” thanking Islamabad for its support during a recent flare-up involving Israel and the US.
He expressed gratitude, saying that Pakistan stood firmly with Iran during what he described as unjust aggression, emphasizing that both countries now require “tangible, coordinated, and comprehensive action” across security, defense, politics, and economics, particularly as regional tensions escalate.
Read More: Pakistan, Iran Vow to Enhance Cooperation in Diverse Sectors
This visit follows earlier high-level exchanges. In October, Larijani met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Syed Mohsin Naqvi, to discuss deepening ties. Just last month, Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, traveled to Islamabad for talks focused on economic and parliamentary collaboration.
During August, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also visited Pakistan, resulting in 12 memoranda of understanding (MOU) signing, covering areas like trade, transit, agriculture, and cultural exchange.
Larijani pointed out that despite shifting power dynamics in the region including crises in Afghanistan, border security challenges, and evolving alliances Pakistan and Iran can play a stabilizing role if they work closely together.
On the economic front, Larijani and Pakistani officials are pushing to finalize a Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and there are plans to launch a barter trade mechanism soon.
Islamabad’s ambassador to Iran, Muddasir Tipu called the visit a “crucial step” toward unlocking greater trade and connectivity.
Larijani also underlined his belief that cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad can directly contribute to regional peace. He described Pakistan as “important and influential” for regional security and said both nations must coordinate more closely to address shared challenges.
Minahil Khurshid
Minahil Khurshid holds a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies from NUST. She is passionate about current affairs, public policy, and geopolitics.
