Pakistan and Iran Enhance Cooperation for Pilgrims

Islamabad: To facilitate religious pilgrims during Muharram and Safar, Pakistan and Iran have reached an agreement to maintain round-the-clock operations at their shared border throughout these two significant Islamic months.

This mutual understanding was the result of discussions held in Tehran between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni. Both parties came to several important conclusions aimed at easing pilgrim transit and boosting collaboration on border-related issues.

The Iranian delegation included key figures such as Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, Deputy Minister Nader Yar Ahmadi, Adviser Hadian, Governor General of Sistan and Baluchestan Mansour Bager, and Colonel Javaheri, who heads International Affairs at the Ministry of Interior.

The meeting also saw participation from the Director General of the FIA and other high-ranking officials representing Pakistan.

According to the agreement, the Iranian government will accommodate and provide meals for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad. Additionally, a dedicated hotline will be set up between the two nations to ensure prompt resolution of any emerging issues.

To improve joint efforts, Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq will participate in a trilateral meeting in Mashhad before Arbaeen to coordinate arrangements for pilgrims.

Both nations also decided to increase the frequency of flights for pilgrims and investigate the potential for sea-based transportation.

In addition, the leaders explored ways to strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties and enhance cooperation across various sectors, including combating illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug control. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to improving border security coordination.

Naqvi conveyed his appreciation to the Iranian government for their continuous assistance to Pakistani pilgrims. He also pledged complete cooperation concerning the release of Iranian fishermen who had inadvertently crossed into Pakistani waters.

The Iranian minister highlighted the strong relationship between Iran and Pakistan, emphasising that Pakistan’s security is a top priority for Iran. He also mentioned that assisting pilgrims is seen as a sacred duty.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Tehran as part of his tour to friendly nations, to express gratitude for their support during the recent conflict.

During his visit, he engaged with Iranian leaders, including President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei, to discuss bilateral and regional issues.

In a joint press briefing, the Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan’s willingness to engage in discussions with India to foster regional peace, reiterating the nation’s desire for stability in South Asia.

He stated, “We aspire for peace and are prepared to enter into dialogue to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue.”