ISLAMABAD: Interior ministers from Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq agreed at a trilateral conference in Tehran on Monday to streamline and enhance the facilitation of pilgrims traveling between the three nations.
The conference, held at Pakistan’s request, also saw the announcement of new, stringent regulations for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq, effective January 1, 2026.
Addressing the conference, Mohsin Naqvi thanked his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni for hosting the crucial talks. “Pilgrims traveling to Iraq and Iran are very important to us,” Naqvi emphasized, highlighting the significance of discussions for easing the pilgrimage process.
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to form a joint working group comprising representatives from Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq. This group will be tasked with ensuring the smooth and efficient facilitation of pilgrims, addressing any challenges they may face.
Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Iran during the recent conflict. “I congratulate Iran and the Iranian interior minister on their glorious victory in the war. Pakistan openly condemned the attack and fully supported Iran’s right to self-defense. During the war, the people of Pakistan stood firmly with the people of Iran,” he said.
He added that the prime minister of Pakistan and other senior officials played an active and positive role in supporting Iran, with Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Amiri Moghaddam, present at the conference as a witness.
Commending Iraq’s efforts to manage millions of pilgrims, particularly during events like Arbaeen, Naqvi said, “The way the Iraqi interior minister and the ministry manage these millions of pilgrims is commendable. We salute the Iraqi Ministry of Interior for their excellent handling of pilgrims.”
He assured both Iraqi and Iranian interior ministers of Pakistan’s full cooperation on pilgrim-related matters. In a significant announcement, Minister Naqvi detailed new regulations for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq. Effective January 1, 2026, individual travel to Iraq for pilgrimage will no longer be permitted. The pilgrims will instead be required to travel under registered group organizers, whose registration process has already commenced.
These organizers will be responsible for the return of pilgrims to Pakistan. The only exception for independent travel will be for individuals issued special visas by the Iraqi embassy. Naqvi asserted that this new system, which has the alignment of Iraq and Iran, aims to curb illegal travel and overstay by pilgrims.
“Through joint efforts, we are determined to prevent illegal travel to Iraq and unauthorized prolonged stays there,” he affirmed. He also expressed gratitude to the governments of Iraq and Iran for their care of Pakistani pilgrims, acknowledging the immense challenge of managing millions of visitors.
The conference participants included Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pour Jamshidian, Senior Advisor to the Iranian Interior Minister Nader Yar Ahmadi, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Amiri Moghaddam, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, and senior officials from Iraq’s Ministry of Interior.
