Mohsin Naqvi Meets Iranian Counterpart to Enhance Pilgrim Facilities, Border Cooperation

Tehran – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a significant meeting with his Iranian counterpart, General Eskandar Momeni, to discuss bilateral cooperation on key issues including pilgrim facilitation, border security, human trafficking, and drug control.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance the number of flights between the two countries to ensure a safer and more convenient journey for pilgrims. They also discussed the possibility of transporting pilgrims via sea routes between Iran and Iraq. Importantly, it was decided that during the religious observances of Arbaeen and Muharram, the border between Pakistan and Iran will remain open 24 hours a day to accommodate the flow of pilgrims without disruption.

Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Iranian government for the continued support and hospitality provided to Pakistani pilgrims. He emphasized the importance of bilateral measures to ensure the safety and comfort of travelers and proposed the establishment of a dedicated hotline between the two countries for swift resolution of any issues faced by pilgrims.

Both ministers also committed to strengthening cooperation in border management, especially in combating illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. A joint strategy will be adopted to improve coordination along the shared border.

The Iranian interior minister raised the issue of Iranian fishermen currently detained in Pakistan, to which Mohsin Naqvi assured full cooperation and resolution in accordance with the law.

In a positive development, the Iranian government announced that it will provide accommodation and meals for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims and will take full responsibility for their arrangements from the Iran border to Iraq.

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The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold a trilateral interior ministers’ conference between Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq to harmonize policy and operational strategies for managing pilgrimage-related matters more effectively.

This diplomatic engagement marks a significant step toward enhancing regional collaboration and ensuring the safety and well-being of thousands of religious pilgrims each year.