Iran's NSA arrives in Islamabad for talks

Iran's top security official Ali Shamkhani arrived here on Wednesday for talks with Pakistani leadership on security cooperation and border issues.

Shamkhani, who is the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, is expected to meet Prime Minister Nawaz, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and military leaders.

"Matters related to bilateral relations and regional security situation would be discussed during Shamkhani's meetings with Pakistani leaders," diplomatic sources told Dawn News.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council was responsible for the Gulf country's defence and security policies.

According to a source, Shamkhani's agenda for the trip includes border security, intelligence-sharing, security cooperation and exploring the prospects of bilateral cooperation after the nuclear-related sanctions are lifted.

Islamabad has been hopeful of reviving a stalled gas pipeline project connecting Iran to energy-starved Pakistan, following the signing of a historic nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

Earlier in August, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif in his visit to Pakistan said that Iran intends to expand economic cooperation with Pakistan, along with increasing regional cooperation and carrying out joint efforts in the fight against extremism and terrorism.