Iranian Media Reveals Pakistan’s New Foreign Minister

An Iranian media report has triggered speculation about a possible major reshuffle in Pakistan’s federal cabinet after it appeared to describe Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as Pakistan’s foreign minister.

Tehran Times shared photographs of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s meeting with a Pakistani delegation in Tehran. In its post, the outlet said Araghchi had met his “Pakistani counterpart,” apparently referring to Naqvi.

However, Pakistan has not announced any change in the foreign ministry.

According to official government records, Senator Ishaq Dar remains Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, Naqvi continues to serve as the federal minister for interior and narcotics control.

Naqvi also remains chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. He has held the position since February 2024 and is also serving as a senator.

The wording used by the Iranian outlet has nevertheless raised questions over whether Tehran was informed of an upcoming cabinet change or simply misidentified Naqvi’s official position.

One possible scenario being discussed is that Naqvi could take control of the foreign affairs portfolio, while Dar could return to a more direct economic role. Dar has previously served multiple terms as finance minister and remains one of the government’s most influential figures on economic policy.

Such a move would amount to a major cabinet shake-up. It would also come at a sensitive time as Pakistan manages regional diplomacy, its IMF program and the implementation of the federal budget.

However, the speculation remains unconfirmed. Pakistan’s Foreign Office continues to identify Dar as the deputy prime minister and foreign minister, while no official notification has been issued regarding a change in Naqvi’s portfolio. Recent Foreign Office material also continued to refer to Dar as the country’s foreign minister.

The Iranian report may therefore reflect a reporting error rather than an early indication of a cabinet reshuffle. An official announcement from Islamabad would be required before any change in the foreign ministry becomes effective.