TEHRAN: The interior ministers of Pakistan, Iran and Iraq have agreed to establish a joint working group to facilitate pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen.
The decision was announced during a trilateral meeting held in Tehran on Monday, where the three sides also pledged to address bilateral issues through mutual cooperation.
Addressing a joint press conference, the three countries announced an agreement to move on jointly to resolve bilateral issues amicably.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the Iranian government for waiving visa fees for Pakistani pilgrims on the occasion of Arbaeen (Chehlum of Imam Hussain A.S.). He also commended the Iraqi government for making excellent arrangements to accommodate the millions of pilgrims during the event.
The Interior Minister noted that the Government of Pakistan has taken into account concerns raised by the Iranian and Iraqi authorities regarding some pilgrims overstaying or engaging in unauthorised work during their time in Iraq.
He informed his Iranian and Iraqi counterparts that Pakistan is introducing a new system for pilgrims, under which only registered companies will be authorised to make travel arrangements. These companies will be held accountable for ensuring the safe return of all pilgrims from Iran and Iraq.
Naqvi further appreciated the Iranian government’s gesture of visa relaxation for Arbaeen, highlighting that visa fees have been waived for Pakistani pilgrims holding valid Iraqi visas.
The Interior Minister said Pakistan stood by Iran in its right to self-defence. He added that Pakistan openly condemned Israeli aggression on Iran, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended full support to Iran.
He lauded Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, for achieving great success in the fight against Israel.
He said Arbaeen management was a difficult task to manage, but the Iraqi government was making the best arrangements, and for this, the Iraqi government deserved appreciation.
Naqvi announced that from January 2026, Pakistan will no longer permit its citizens to overstay in Iraq.
He stated that registered companies organising pilgrimage groups will be required to accompany them and ensure their timely return. Any form of overstaying, unauthorised work, or illegal stay in Iraq will be actively discouraged.
He also called for the continued support of the Iranian and Iraqi governments in implementing these measures.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi attended a trilateral conference alongside his Iranian and Iraqi counterparts. The meeting focused on addressing issues faced by pilgrims in the region, as well as matters related to border management.
