An Iranian media report has sparked speculation in Pakistan about a possible reshuffle in the federal cabinet after it appeared to incorrectly refer to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as the country’s foreign minister.
The Tehran Times published photos of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s meeting with a Pakistani delegation in Tehran. In its post, the outlet described Araghchi as having met his “Pakistani counterpart,” seemingly referring to Naqvi.
However, there has been no official confirmation of any change in Pakistan’s foreign ministry.
According to government records, Senator Ishaq Dar currently serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, while Mohsin Naqvi remains Interior Minister and Minister for Narcotics Control. Naqvi also continues to hold the position of Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, a role he has held since February 2024, in addition to his membership in the Senate.
The Iranian outlet’s wording has led to speculation about whether it reflects a reporting mistake or hints at a possible diplomatic briefing about an upcoming cabinet adjustment.
One scenario being discussed informally is that Naqvi could be assigned the foreign affairs portfolio, while Dar may return to a more economic-focused role, given his long background as finance minister and his continued influence over economic policy.
If such a change were to occur, it would represent a significant cabinet reshuffle at a time when Pakistan is navigating complex regional diplomacy, an IMF-supported economic program, and the implementation of its federal budget.
So far, however, no official notification has been issued. The Foreign Office continues to list Ishaq Dar as foreign minister, and recent official communications also reflect the same.
At this stage, the Iranian report appears more likely to be a misidentification than confirmation of an imminent cabinet change. Any alteration in ministerial portfolios would require formal announcement from Islamabad.
