Pakistan, Iran Agree to Keep Border Open 24/7 for Pilgrims During Arbaeen and Muharram

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to keep the border open 24 hours a day during Arbaeen and Muharram to facilitate religious pilgrims. The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting in Tehran between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iranian counterpart, General Ahmad Vahidi. The ministers announced the establishment of a dedicated hotline for real-time issue resolution and the holding of a trilateral conference in Mashhad involving Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq ahead of Arbaeen to coordinate pilgrim affairs.

Both sides agreed to increase the number of flights to enhance convenience and security for travelers. Iran assured that accommodations and meals for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims would be arranged in Mashhad, while special logistical support would be provided for travel from the Iranian border to Iraq. Cooperation on preventing illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling was also discussed, along with enhanced coordination for border security management.

The Iranian Interior Minister reaffirmed strong bilateral relations, calling Pakistan’s security a top priority. He emphasized that serving pilgrims was a religious duty. Talks also included the release of detained Iranian fishermen who had inadvertently entered Pakistan’s maritime borders, with Minister Naqvi promising full cooperation. He also expressed gratitude to the Iranian government for supporting Pakistani pilgrims and highlighted the hotline’s role in resolving issues promptly.

The meeting was attended by senior Iranian officials including Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, Deputy Minister Nader Yar Ahmadi, Advisor Hadian, Governor-General of Sistan-Balochistan Mansour Bajer, and Colonel Javaheri. From Pakistan’s side, FIA DG and other senior officials were also present.