ISLAMABAD: Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar arrives in Pakistan on a 2-days official visit at the invitation of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Upon arrival at Islamabad Airport, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry welcomed the Lebanese Interior Minister. Chief Commissioner Islamabad and IG Islamabad were also present on the occasion.
During his visit to Pakistan, Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar will hold important meetings with the Pakistani leadership. Discussions will cover bilateral relations, promotion of cooperation, and various other matters.
During the visit, important talks are also expected regarding expanding mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon and strengthening ties in various sectors.
Pakistan has been actively doing “parliamentary and ministerial diplomacy” with Middle Eastern and Muslim countries in 2025-2026. Interior-level visits signal trust-building beyond just trade and foreign office talks.
Earlier to this, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a telephone call from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, according to the Foreign Office during the conversation, the French minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in ensuring a ceasefire and maintaining peace in the region. He also expressed full support for Pakistan’s role in promoting stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
The two leaders held detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on the evolving regional situation. Both sides expressed concern over ongoing ceasefire violations in Lebanon and emphasized the need for its full implementation and strict respect. They stressed that maintaining the ceasefire is critical for regional stability and long-term peace.
Pakistan and France agreed to expand cooperation in trade and economic sectors, signaling a desire to deepen economic engagement. This includes enhancing mutual collaboration to unlock new opportunities for growth and partnership.
Both foreign ministers agreed to continue close coordination and maintain regular contact in the future. The decision reflects a shared intent to build stronger diplomatic ties while working together on key regional and global challenges.
On Thursday, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to confirm Lebanon’s inclusion in the Iran-US ceasefire, following Israeli attacks that claimed over 200 lives.
Salam praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts and asked Sharif to “confirm that the ceasefire includes Lebanon to prevent a recurrence of the Israeli attacks witnessed yesterday”.
Israel and the US have stated that the current ceasefire does not cover Lebanon, with Israel asserting it would continue operations. Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that Tehran considers Lebanon an “inseparable part of the ceasefire” and hinted at “strong responses” if attacks continue.
Read also: Pakistan and France expresses concern over Lebanon ceasefire violations
