Tehran, May 28, 2025: In a significant move to facilitate religious pilgrims, Pakistan and Iran have agreed to keep their shared border open 24/7 during Muharram and Arbaeen, ensuring uninterrupted movement for thousands of Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iran.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting in Tehran between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of religious tourism, border management, and regional security.
As part of the agreement, the Iranian government will provide accommodation and meals for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad. To strengthen coordination, the two countries will also establish a dedicated hotline for quick resolution of logistical and security issues.
The ministers further announced plans for a tripartite meeting involving Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq in Mashhad ahead of Arbaeen, aiming to improve planning and management of the pilgrimage season.
Additionally, both sides discussed increasing the number of flights for pilgrims, and also explored the possibility of transporting pilgrims by sea. Cooperation in tackling illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling was also reviewed.
Enhancing border security and operational coordination between law enforcement agencies featured prominently in the talks. Minister Naqvi extended Pakistan’s gratitude to Iran for its continued hospitality towards Pakistani pilgrims and assured support on bilateral matters, including the early release of Iranian fishermen who had inadvertently entered Pakistani waters.
Senior officials from both countries participated in the discussions, underscoring the importance of the partnership in promoting regional peace and people-to-people connectivity.
