Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Iran’s right to self-defence under the UN Charter and emphasised that better safety and facilities of Pakistani pilgrims in Iran and Iraq are a top priority.

Addressing the Pakistan-Iran-Iraq trilateral conference in Tehran, Naqvi welcomed the initiative and expressed his gratitude to the governments of Iran and Iraq for organising the conference.

He stated that Pakistani pilgrims in Iran and Iraq are of utmost importance to Islamabad, and their security and convenience remain a top priority.

He also condemned the recent attacks by Israeli forces on Iranian soil that killed top brass military commanders, renowned scientists, and innocent civilians.

Naqvi said that, “The people of Pakistan have always stood by the Iranian nation in difficult times and will continue to do so”.

The interior minister further highlighted Pakistan’s consistent support for Iran on all international forums, noting that the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, had personally witnessed these efforts.

Naqvi also pledged full cooperation with Iraq, especially in matters related to religious pilgrimages.

He said only registered groups would be allowed to manage pilgrimage travel, and group leaders must ensure the safe return of all pilgrims.

He warned that no individual would be allowed to travel to Iran or Iraq through illegal means.

He thanked both Iran and Iraq for their care and hospitality towards Pakistani pilgrims.

Earlier in Tehran, Mohsin Naqvi also held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Eskandar Momeni, where the two discussed matters of mutual interest and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.