Pakistan and Iran have reached an agreement to keep their shared border open 24/7 during the religious periods of Muharram and Arbaeen, as confirmed by federal authorities on Wednesday.
The decision was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, where both sides discussed regional and bilateral matters, particularly focusing on facilitating pilgrim travel.
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An official statement revealed that continuous border operations will be maintained to ensure hassle-free passage for Pakistani pilgrims journeying to Iran and onward to Iraq. Additionally, both nations considered initiating sea routes to further support pilgrim transport in the future.
Minister Momeni pledged that Iran would provide meals and lodging for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad and promised dedicated arrangements for their onward journey from the Iran-Iraq border.
The two ministers also agreed to set up a dedicated hotline to quickly address any issues faced by pilgrims. Plans are underway for a trilateral conference between Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq in Mashhad before Arbaeen to enhance coordination and improve travel arrangements for pilgrims.
Momeni emphasized that assisting pilgrims is a shared religious responsibility and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to Pakistan’s security and regional collaboration.
The meeting also addressed increasing flight options for pilgrims and developing an efficient implementation strategy. Both sides reviewed proposals to introduce sea travel for pilgrims, aiming to ease congestion on traditional land and air routes.
Beyond pilgrimage matters, the ministers discussed strengthening joint efforts on border security, tackling illegal immigration, combating human trafficking, and curbing drug smuggling. Enhanced cooperation in border management was agreed upon.
Momeni also requested the release of Iranian fishermen accidentally detained in Pakistani waters. In response, Naqvi assured full support for their early return.
Naqvi thanked Iran for its ongoing support and generous hospitality towards Pakistani pilgrims, noting that the hotline will greatly improve coordination and issue resolution moving forward.
