Naqvi reaches Washington as Pakistan, US renew trade negotiations

Washington – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Washington on Thursday as Pakistan and the US commenced a fresh round of meetings aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with regional diplomatic efforts continuing Amid concerns surrounding US and Iran.

Naqvi’s visit follows his participation at the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) in New York, where he took part in discussions on global security, law enforcement cooperation and transnational crime as Pakistan’s representative.

The visit is being widely observed as Islamabad continues its diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners as it undertakes continuous attempts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran after months of heightened hostilities in the Middle East.

U.S. officials said diplomatic talks with Iran continue amid lingering uncertainty, with Washington focused on negotiations but keeping military options on the table. The regional security situation remains uncertain, but officials claimed reports of new US strikes on Iranian targets were false.

Naqvi also called on Bangladesh’s Interior Minister Salahuddin Ahmed during his visit to New York where both sides agreed to enhance collaboration to tackle cybercrime, online fraud and other cross-border security threats. The two ministers also addressed police training schemes and wider bilateral collaboration.

The two also exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East, with the Bangladeshi minister appreciative of Pakistan’s role for promoting peace in the region. Naqvi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir have played a significant role in fostering regional stability.

Naqvi also met UN Secretary-General António Guterres and senior officials from China, Russia and Sri Lanka on the sidelines of the UN conference where they discussed international security cooperation and Pakistan’s role in supporting peace.