RAWALPINDI (MNN); Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir met Iran’s top security official Ali Ardeshir Larijani in Rawalpindi on Wednesday and underscored the need for increased counter-terrorism collaboration between the two countries.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, called on the army chief at the General Headquarters. During the meeting, COAS Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability and highlighted the importance of deeper strategic coordination amid shifting geopolitical trends.
ISPR referred to Larijani as Iran’s national security adviser and noted that security cooperation was a key part of the discussion. Pakistan and Iran share a long but sensitive border where militant attacks have taken place on both sides, resulting in enhanced intelligence and security cooperation. Tehran has also shown willingness to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease border tensions.
Earlier this month, Iranian Parliament Speaker Dr Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf held talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, where both sides agreed to strengthen joint anti-terror efforts.
According to ISPR, today’s dialogue between Munir and Larijani revolved around defence cooperation, regional challenges and steps to improve bilateral relations. Larijani praised Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and stability and expressed Iran’s desire to further expand relations.
He stressed that meaningful dialogue and partnership were essential for tackling regional challenges and long-term peace. Larijani, who arrived in Pakistan on Monday, has already met President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
He is also expected to meet Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Lt Gen Asim Malik, who also heads the ISI. The visit aims to review bilateral ties, advance pending agreements and exchange views on developments in the Muslim world.
Larijani’s trip coincides with Iran’s reservations over US President Donald Trump’s Gaza proposal, a plan Pakistan has supported with an understanding that it may contribute to a proposed international stabilisation force. While Pakistan’s official releases remained reserved on Gaza discussions, Larijani later posted on X conveying greetings from the Iranian Supreme Leader to the people of Pakistan for standing with Iran during the recent conflict with Israel.
The visit also follows the recent tour of Pakistan by the Saudi armed forces’ chief, during which defence cooperation and counterterrorism efforts were the focal points.
