DOHA, Qatar: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that Islamabad had made every possible effort to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table and remained committed to preventing further escalation in the region.
Interior Minister Naqvi was addressing the 8th Global Security Forum in Doha. Convened under the title “The Future of Alliances”, the forum brings together high-ranking officials and dignitaries from over 100 nations, according to Qatar News Agency.
Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the US and Iran, affirming that Islamabad “never gave up”. He said there were moments when the situation became extremely tense, but Pakistan did not give up its diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
“The last few months have been very difficult for our region. The conflict involving Iran and the United States created serious risks not only for the Middle East, but for the entire world,” Naqvi said.
He added that at such a critical time, Pakistan chose the path of peace and made “every possible effort to reduce tensions”.
Interior Minister Naqvi, who has been involved in Islamabad’s peace efforts and has made several trips to Iran since the war began, said, “There were moments when the situation was extremely tense, but we never gave up.
Naqvi praised Qatar’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran, saying Pakistan and Qatar had worked together to prevent regional tensions from escalating.
“Peace cannot be achieved in a single meeting. It requires patience, trust and continuous efforts,” Naqvi said, highlighting the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement in resolving conflicts.
“Peace if not achieved in one meeting. It requires patience, trust and continuous effort.” – H.E. Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan https://t.co/QluCq8FuyP
— Global Security Forum (@GSECForum) October 19, 2026
‘Remarkable Role’ of Field Marshal Munir
The Interior Minister particularly recalled the “remarkable role” and the tireless efforts of Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to reduce regional tensions.
Field Marshal Munir, accompanied by Naqvi, had visited Iran in August “as part of Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability”. The Interior Minister last made a visit to Iran in September.
Naqvi said Field Marshal Munir and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani made remarkable efforts during the Swiss peace talks. He said the two leaders worked continuously for more than 16 hours without a break.
Islamabad MoU Between US and Iran
Interior Minister Naqvi recalled the June 18 signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran. The 14-point Islamabad MoU, which Pakistan signed as a mediator, provided a framework for ending the war the US and Iran.
Naqvi said that the Islamabad MoU was followed by the Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland, organised by mediators Pakistan and Qatar.
“There, I saw something I will never forget,” the Interior Minister said, adding that Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Field Marshal Munir worked for “more than 16 hours without a single break”.
“No cameras, no announcements; only two men who refused to let the talks fail,” Naqvi remarked, emphasising that the only aim of the two mediating countries was to “stop further conflict”.
The Interior Minister praised Qatar’s peace efforts, noting it had “done so much”. “In the diplomacy of our time, when others chose sides, Qatar chose to keep talking. Pakistan has seen this closely because we have worked beside you.”
Pakistan’s Role for Regional Peace
Interior Minister Naqvi stressed that Pakistan has always believed that “dialogue is better than war”.
“Our recent experience has taught us three important lessons: never close the door to dialogue, trust is the most important key for any kind of talk, and thirdly, peace requires sincere efforts from everyone.”
The Interior Minister emphasised that no single country could achieve regional peace alone.
“Pakistan is proud of the role it has played in the regional peace efforts,” he said, reaffirming that Islamabad would continue to support dialogue, peace and cooperation.
“We believe that winning peace is far more important than winning a war,” the minister remarked.
Makkah Defence Agreement is for Peace
Naqvi cited the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye as an example of Islamabad’s commitment to regional security.
He stressed that the agreement was aimed at promoting peace rather than war, underscoring the importance of cooperation among regional countries to maintain stability.
“It is a pact for defence, not for war,” Naqvi said, adding that no country could “enjoy lasting peace if its neighbours are facing conflicts”.
Pakistan’s Fight Against Terrorism
Naqvi also spoke about countering security challenges and called for stronger international cooperation on the matter.
“As Pakistan’s interior minister, I also understand the price of terrorism and insecurity. Pakistan has suffered greatly; thousands of our citizens, soldiers, and policemen have lost their lives. Even today, we continue to fight.”
Describing terrorism as a “common enemy”, Naqvi called for “stronger cooperation, better intelligence-sharing and joint efforts to defeat it”.
The Interior Minister noted that counterterrorism cooperation was not something Pakistan has only sought, but also provided. He then highlighted the country’s contributions to the United Nations’ peacekeeping missions.
“Our UN police peacekeepers have helped protect civilians, support local police and restore peace in countries affected by conflict. We are proud of their services and sacrifices,” he said.
