Islamabad, July 14, 2025: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday announced that Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq have agreed to establish a trilateral working group aimed at preventing illegal migration under the guise of religious pilgrimage.
The announcement came during Naqvi’s visit to Tehran, where he attended a trilateral conference of interior ministers from the three countries. Speaking to journalists following the meeting, the minister emphasized the need for better coordination and oversight of pilgrimage-related travel, particularly ahead of the annual influx of Pakistani zaireen (pilgrims) to Iraq and Iran.
“We had a productive discussion and agreed to form a joint working group to ensure better coordination and to streamline travel procedures for zaireen,” said Naqvi. “Millions of people travel to Iraq each year for pilgrimage, and it is commendable how the Iraqi interior ministry manages this responsibility with increasing efficiency.”
According to Radio Pakistan, the working group will comprise officials from all three countries and will be tasked with facilitating regulated pilgrimage while curbing illegal migration and overstays.
Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan will abolish the traditional Salar System for pilgrim travel from 2026 onwards. In its place, a zaireen group organiser model will be introduced, requiring all pilgrims to travel under registered organisers.
“The registration process for these group organisers has already started,” he said. “From January 1, 2026, no Pakistani will be allowed to travel to Iraq individually. Only those with special visas issued by the embassy will be exempt from this rule.”
He further stated that registered organisers will be legally responsible for both the departure and safe return of each pilgrim in their group. “We will not allow any Pakistani to remain in Iraq without the group that brought them in. This is essential to prevent illegal stays and unauthorised employment abroad.”
Naqvi stressed the importance of addressing illegal migration and overstays in Iraq, noting that many individuals have used pilgrimage as a cover to enter the country and then remain illegally.
“I am completely against those who are violating immigration laws. This issue must be addressed jointly, and I am pleased to report that Iraq and Iran are fully aligned with Pakistan’s new system,” he added.
The interior minister reiterated Pakistan’s full support for coordinated efforts to regulate pilgrimage travel, improve bilateral cooperation, and protect the rights of legitimate pilgrims. He also expressed deep gratitude to the governments of Iraq and Iran for their hospitality and care for millions of Pakistani pilgrims over the years.
