Pakistani, Iranian interior ministers meet in Bishkek amid war mediation

Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on Friday to discuss regional de-escalation and internal security matters, according to a statement from Islamabad’s Interior Ministry. The encounter took place on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization interior ministers’ summit, where both officials stressed the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace.

Naqvi has emerged as a key intermediary in efforts to end the war between the United States and Iran, which began on February 28, with Pakistan actively facilitating negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The Friday meeting marked the second encounter between the two ministers in as many days, following initial talks held Thursday amid intensifying diplomatic activity to solidify a ceasefire agreement.

Mediation efforts

The Pakistani and Iranian ministers reviewed the latest regional developments and examined strategies for reducing tensions, the ministry statement noted. "Both the interior ministers stressed the need to continue diplomatic efforts for sustainable peace in the region," the statement said, highlighting Islamabad’s role in bridging gaps between the conflicting parties.

The discussions in Bishkek come as Pakistan leverages its relationships with both Tehran and Washington to pursue a comprehensive settlement to the conflict. The war has entered its third month with thousands killed and regional stability threatened by continued hostilities.