Pakistan, Iran, Iraq Streamline Pilgrim Travel, Ban Solo Visits to Iraq

News Desk

Islamabad: In a landmark trilateral summit held in Tehran, the interior ministers of Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq reached a unanimous agreement to streamline the movement of religious pilgrims across their borders, marking a significant shift in regional pilgrim policy and coordination.

The high-level conference, convened at Pakistan’s request, concluded with the formation of a joint working group tasked with overseeing operational coordination, security, and facilitation for pilgrims—particularly during major religious events like Arbaeen.

Speaking at the summit, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi thanked his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, for hosting the event and underscored Islamabad’s commitment to improving the pilgrim experience. He announced sweeping reforms set to take effect from January 1, 2026, under which individual travel to Iraq by Pakistani pilgrims will be prohibited.

Under the new policy, pilgrims must travel in organized groups managed by registered tour operators, who will also be responsible for their return. Only those receiving special visas from the Iraqi Embassy will be exempt from the group travel requirement.

“This group-based system is designed to prevent illegal entries and overstay issues,” Naqvi said, adding that both Iran and Iraq have endorsed the new regulatory framework.

The Pakistani minister lauded the Iraqi and Iranian authorities for their exemplary handling of millions of pilgrims each year and reaffirmed Pakistan’s full cooperation in all pilgrim-related matters.

In a notable diplomatic gesture, Naqvi also congratulated Iran on its recent military achievements, expressing solidarity with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and reiterating Pakistan’s support for Iran’s right to self-defence following recent regional tensions.

“Pakistan strongly condemned the attack on Iran and stood by its side in defence of its sovereignty,” Naqvi stated.

The summit was attended by senior dignitaries including Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, Senior Advisor Nader Yar Ahmadi, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, and senior officials from Iraq’s Ministry of Interior.

The trilateral mechanism is expected to significantly enhance coordination, safety, and logistical support for millions of religious pilgrims from Pakistan, fostering deeper regional ties and cooperation.