ECP, Iranian Momeni-led delegation discuss ways to enhance cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran agreed to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two countries, following Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni’s meeting with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Iranian delegation led by its interior minister on Wednesday visited the ECP, where Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja welcomed the Iranian delegation. Mohsin Naqvi, Interior Minister, and Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior, also attended the meeting.

The visiting delegation was briefed by the ECP Secretariat on Pakistan’s electoral system and the commission’s constitutional and legal role.

During the meeting, Commissioner Sikandar Raja said, “Pakistan and Iran are connected through strong historical, religious and cultural ties.” The exchange of experiences in the electoral process would further strengthen institutional relations between the two countries, the commissioner added.

Iran’s minister Momeni said Tehran values Pakistan’s support during difficult times, expressing that relations between the two countries are based on historic, religious and brotherly bonds.

During the visit, the Iranian minister also received briefings on the appointment of election staff and the mechanism for addressing electoral complaints.

The Iran’s delegation arrived in Islamabad on Monday amid fresh tensions in the Middle East. The visit came amid heightened regional tensions after the US and Iran exchanged strikes, with Washington targeting locations in Iran and Tehran’s forces responding against US military assets in the region.