The two-day visit of Dr Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to Pakistan marks a major milestone in the evolving relationship between the two brotherly nations.
As an emissary of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Dr Larijani carried a message of goodwill, deeper cooperation, and shared strategic vision. His engagements in Islamabad and Rawalpindi covered a comprehensive spectrum; political, economic and security cooperations. Before landing in Pakistan, Dr Larijani wrote on X: “Iran and Pakistan are two important and influential countries in ensuring lasting security in the region, and we always pay close attention to the brotherly relations between the countries of the region.” His statement reflects the broader strategic understanding that binds the two neighbours and the growing recognition that regional peace is intertwined with closer Pak–Iran cooperation.
Iran and Pakistan share strong historical, cultural, and religious bonds. Their 900-kilometre land border offers vast opportunities for legitimate trade and regional connectivity. Unfortunately, international sanctions on Iran have limited conventional financial transactions, but both sides see barter trade as a viable alternative. Expanding formal trade would directly curb rampant smuggling and illegal cross-border commerce, which has long caused financial loss to both states. There is renewed commitment to elevate bilateral trade to USD 10 billion annually, a target both governments see as achievable through border markets, energy cooperation, and integrated transit frameworks. Reflecting this optimism, Dr Larijani described the moment as “historic,” adding that existing time-tested ties are “set to enter another strategic phase.”
A significant part of Dr Larijani’s agenda was security cooperation. His meeting withField Marshal Asim Munir, at GHQ Rawalpindi focused on counter-terrorism collaboration, border management, and the evolving geopolitical landscape. Dr Larijani acknowledged the unparalleled sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces in combating terrorism over the last two decades. Pakistan’s successful counter-terrorism campaign has earned the country global recognition and enhanced regional stability. Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to closer security coordination with Iran, especially as terrorism increasingly morphs into transnational networks.Both sides discussed the activities of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant groups that have exploited ungoverned spaces on both sides of the border in the past. There is factual evidence that elements linked with RAW and Mossad had used Iranian soil during the Israeli attack on Iran in June 2025. These foreign operatives also supported anti-Pakistan terrorists.
As a special representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Dr Larijani held extensive meetings with Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the National Assembly, the Foreign Minister, the National Security Advisor, and other senior officials. These interactions were substantive, with discussions revolving around: a) strengthening bilateral political relations, b) expanding trade and economic cooperation, c) deepening defence and security coordination, d) addressing regional security challenges emerging from Indo–Afghan collaboration, d) building a shared vision for stability in South and Central Asia, as well as the Middle East. These meetings signaled a strong political will at the highest levels in both states to reset and enhance relations in a structured, strategic manner.
One of the most encouraging outcomes of the visit was Iran’s offer to help reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. As a neighbour to both countries and one with working relations with the Taliban regime, Tehran is well-positioned to play a role in promoting dialogue. The current trajectory in Afghanistan continues to pose challenges. The Taliban regime’s tolerance for militant networks undermines regional security. Pakistan and Iran share the view that Afghanistan must abandon policies that allow its soil to become a hub of terrorism targeting neighbouring states.
For Pakistan–Iran relations to flourish fully, stability in Afghanistan remains critical. A cooperative trilateral approach could turn contentious borders into zones of peace and development rather than conflict. The frequency of high-level visits between Pakistan and Iran in recent months demonstrates a shared desire to reorient relations toward deeper economic and strategic cooperation. Both sides see merit in comprehensive collaboration; bilateral and even trilateral (with Afghanistan), and in broader regional platforms.
Field Marshal Asim Munir deserves credit for steering Pakistan’s foreign and security policy toward greater regional integration. His initiatives have opened new avenues for cooperation with Iran and other regional partners, contributing to broader peace and stability.
Dr Larijani’s visit has sent a powerful message: Pakistan and Iran are ready to move beyond episodic engagements toward a sustained, strategic partnership. As two pivotal states in the region, their collaboration holds immense potential for shaping a peaceful, interconnected, and economically vibrant future for South and Central Asia. The momentum generated by this visit must now be translated into concrete policy frameworks, economic agreements, and coordinated security mechanisms since a peaceful region ultimately benefits all.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
