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NAqvi ARRiveS iN TehRAN AMid hiGh-level PAKiSTAN-iRAN diPloMATic ouTReAch Sunday, 7 June, 2026 | 21 ZilHaj, 1447
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INTERIOR MINISTER CARRIES ‘REPORTED MESSAGE’ FROM FIELD MARSHAL ASIM MUNIR ADDRESSED TO AYATOLLAH SEYYED MOJTABA KHAMENEI
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PAKISTAN INTENSIFIES DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT AMID REGIONAL VOLATILITY AS NAQVI RECENTLY HELD SCO SIDELINE TALKS WITH IRANIAN COUNTERPART MOMENI
VISIT FOLLOWS SERIES OF HIGH-LEVEL CONSULTATIONS IN ISLAMABAD AS PM SHEHBAZ SHARIF ALSO BRIEFED AHEAD OF TEHRAN MISSION, SOURCE SAYS
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NO OFFICIAL DISCLOSURE ON MESSAGE CONTENT AS VISIT DRAWS DIPLOMATIC ATTENTION
PM, naqvi discuss tehran visit and security situation, PMo says
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NTERIOR Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday arrived in Tehran as part of Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach efforts, reportedly carrying what an informed source described as an “important message” from Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The source told IRNA that Naqvi’s visit follows a series of high-level consultations in Islamabad, including discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscoring the significance of the mission amid evolving regional diplomatic developments.
The visit comes after a key engagement between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni on Friday, during which both sides discussed bilateral relations and the evolving regional situation, stressing the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace in the region. According to the Interior Ministry, Naqvi had met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni on the sidelines of a special meeting of Interior and Public Security Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The two sides reviewed efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East amid renewed regional instability and ongoing diplomatic activity between Washington and Tehran.
Aqeel Malik urges performance-based politics ahead of Gilgit-Baltistan polls ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Minister of State for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik on Saturday called on political parties to uphold the dignity of democratic discourse, adopt a constructive political approach, and focus on delivering tangible results rather than relying on rhetoric and unrealistic promises. Speaking in an interview with a local television channel, Aqeel Malik described the upcoming GilgitBaltistan elections as an important test of democratic maturity and political responsibility, expressing confidence that voters would make their decision based on performance and governance. “The people are closely observing the development and governance initiatives undertaken in Punjab under the leadership of the chief minister,” he said. “I am confident that voters in Gilgit-Baltistan will exercise their democratic right on June 7 by evaluating the performance of political parties.” The minister expressed optimism that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would secure strong public support in the elections, attributing the party’s prospects to its governance record and development agenda. He noted that public expectations had evolved beyond political slogans and were now focused on improved service delivery, effective governance, and visible development outcomes. “Democratic competition should be rooted in accountability, public service, and performance,” Aqeel Malik said. “Political stakeholders must prioritise solving people’s problems through practical measures rather than relying solely on promises.”
TEHRAN AFP
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday and discussed the latter’s forthcoming visit to Tehran, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. The PMO said Naqvi also briefed the prime minister on his recent engagements on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conference in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The statement said consultations were held on the interior minister’s upcoming Iran visit and that the prime minister gave guidance regarding the trip. During the meeting, the two sides also reviewed the overall law and order situation and prevailing security conditions in the country, the PMO said. According to the statement, Naqvi informed the prime minister about steps being taken to maintain peace across the country and ensure the protection of citizens.
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ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
uS, iran trade strikes in latest gulf flare-up The United States and Iran exchanged fresh strikes on Saturday after the Iranian Guards said they fired at four tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz without permission in the latest escalation complicating efforts to end the war between the two countries. A ceasefire in the Middle East war, triggered nearly 100 days ago by US and Israeli strikes that wiped out Iran’s top leadership, has been in place since April 8. But tensions surged again on Friday when the US military said it struck radar sites in Iran after downing drones headed toward the strait. Shortly after, air raid sirens sounded in neighboring Gulf nations Kuwait and Bahrain — both US allies — and AFP correspondents in both countries heard explosions. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said early Saturday they had targeted "enemy bases in the area" with missiles in response to a US "invasion" of the country’s Sirik and Qeshm islands.
STAFF REPORT
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Lebanon army chief visits US-Iran mediator Pakistan: military BEIRUT, LEBANON AFP
Lebanese army chief Rodolphe Haykal left Lebanon for Pakistan on Saturday where he will meet his counterpart Asim Munir, the Lebanese military said, with a source telling AFP the visit is linked to broader Iran-US talks. In a statement, the army said that Haykal "left Lebanon for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir". A source with knowledge of the matter told AFP Haykal's visit is "linked to the Pakistani mediation to resolve" issues between the United States and Iran who are negotiating an end to the Middle East regional war. "Lebanon is critical part of the negotiations," the source added, requesting anonymity. Field Marshal Munir is Islamabad's key negotiator between the United States and Iran to end the war launched by America and Israel, which quickly spread across the region. Lebanon was drawn into the war when Hezbollah attacked Israel on March 2 to avenge the February 28 US-Israeli killing of Iran's supreme leader.
Pakistan, Russia sign agreements on illegal immigration and counter-narcotics cooperation BISHKEK
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday signed a series of cooperation agreements with Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev aimed at strengthening collaboration on illegal immigration, repatriation of undocumented citizens, and counter-narcotics efforts. According to Pakistan's Ministry of Interior, the agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Special Meeting of Interior Ministers and Public Security Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. During the event, Naqvi held separate bilateral meetings with the interior ministers of Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan to discuss regional security challenges and avenues for enhanced cooperation. In his meeting with Tajik Interior Minister Ramazan Rahim Zada, discussions focused on the security situation in Afghanistan. Both sides noted the presence of approximately 25 terrorist organisations operating within Afghan territory and expressed concern over terrorist camps and narcotics production in the country. The two ministers agreed that terrorism and drug trafficking originating from Afghanistan pose significant threats to regional peace and stability and require greater coordination among neighbouring states. During talks with Uzbekistan's Interior Minister Aziz Tashpulatov, both sides discussed enhancing cooperation between law enforcement agencies and explored opportunities for joint training programmes and professional exchanges. Meanwhile, discussions with Kazakhstan's Interior Minister Yergan Sadinov resulted in an agreement to strengthen collaboration against illegal immigration. The two countries also decided to establish a joint working group to promote closer coordination between their interior ministries.
Pakistan, Saudi firms sign deal to develop 140-acre maritime business district at KPT KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Israel responded with an extensive campaign of airstrikes and a ground invasion that have killed nearly 3,600 people, and exchanges of fire with Hezbollah have not stopped despite an ongoing truce. Iran insists Lebanon be included in any agreement with the United States to end the regional war. But Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said, in an interview with CNN aired on Friday, that Iran must stop interfering in Lebanon, which has engaged in its own direct talks with Israel. "It's not your country, it's our country," he said. "It's not your job to interfere into our country." "They are using Lebanon as a
bargaining chip in their negotiation with the United States. It's unacceptable," he added. Lebanon's military said earlier on Saturday that three soldiers were killed in an Israeli strike on the country's south. A new conditional truce was announced by Lebanese and Israeli envoys this week in Washington. It would require Hezbollah to stop firing, withdraw from near the Israeli border and would see Lebanon's army deploy to new "pilot zones" in the area, where it will exercise exclusive control. But Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
Pakistan on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi and local firms to develop a maritime business district on Karachi Port Trust (KPT) waterfront land, the maritime ministry said. The 140-acre maritime business district project, featuring modern commercial infrastructure, will be developed on KPT land and aims to transform the area into a major commercial and maritime hub. The initiative is expected to attract investment, generate employment opportunities and support urban development, according to the ministry. The MoU was signed between Karachi Port Trust, the Saudi Business Council–NAJD Gateway Holding Company, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited and the Pakistan Corporate Consortium, the maritime affairs ministry said. Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry termed the agreement a “transformative opportunity” to unlock the full potential of KPT waterfront assets and position Pakistan as a regional hub for maritime commerce and investment. He said the project, subject to regulatory approvals, could emerge as one of the largest waterfront commercial developments in the region. According to the ministry, members of the Saudi delegation expressed interest in broader maritime cooperation, including potential participation in port infrastructure and related projects.
AJK PM defends ban as 72 arrested in crackdown; JAAC reaffirms long march MUZAFFARABAD/ISLAMABAD ASAD NIZAMI
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police on Saturday launched a wide-ranging crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), arresting around 72 individuals allegedly linked to the organisation, as its leadership rejected all allegations and reaffirmed that the planned long march scheduled for June 9 would go ahead, a day after the government imposed a ban on the group under anti-terrorism laws. The crackdown follows the AJK government’s decision to ban JAAC, accusing it of involvement in terrorism, promoting hatred and creating anarchy in the region ahead of the announced protest. In a statement, AJK Police said the arrests were part of efforts to maintain law and order and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property. The police claimed that weapons, com-
munication devices and suspicious documents had been recovered during the operation. It further alleged that material linked to plans to disturb public order, along with evidence indicating organised protest and violent activity patterns, had also been seized. According to the statement, investigators had also found indications of suspected contacts with foreign individuals, and inquiries into the recovered material were continuing. It added that preliminary evidence suggested certain elements were planning to disrupt public order, damage public and private property, influence the electoral process and incite hostility against state institutions through what it termed unconstitutional and violent agitation. Law enforcement agencies are examining the recovered material, digital evidence and other information in accordance with legal procedures, the statement said. The Inspector General of Police said the state respects peaceful expression, constitu-
tional demands and lawful protest. “However, no individual or group will be allowed to engage in violence, incitement, use of weapons, road blockades, damage to public property or disruption of citizens’ daily lives,” he was quoted as saying. The police further said all those arrested would face investigation and judicial proceedings under relevant laws. Appealing to the public, police urged citizens to remain calm, avoid rumours and inflammatory content, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and stay away from sensitive locations and unlawful gatherings. Reaffirming its commitment to law and order, the police said all roads and markets across the state remained open, adding that no attempt to disturb peace or promote violence would be allowed to succeed. AJK PM defends ban on JAAC Meanwhile, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Faisal Mumtaz Rathore defended the decision to ban JAAC, saying it had be-
come unavoidable given the evolving situation in the region. Speaking to a private television channel, he said progress had been made on most of the points agreed between the government
and the committee. Referring to negotiations, he said that out of 38 points, several of the agreed measures had already been implemented, while others were partially fulfilled.