Pakistan and Iran Agree on 24-Hour Border Access, Boost Pilgrim Support

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni met in Tehran on Wednesday, agreeing on a series of joint measures to streamline religious pilgrimages and enhance border security.

A key outcome of the talks was the decision to keep the Pakistan-Iran border open round the clock during Muharram and Arbaeen, allowing uninterrupted travel for pilgrims. Iran also pledged to host 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad with lodging and meals.

To facilitate real-time coordination, a bilateral hotline will be established. In a bid to improve cross-border management, Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq will hold a trilateral meeting in Mashhad ahead of Arbaeen.

Other agreements included increasing flight frequency, exploring sea routes for pilgrim transport, and greater collaboration to combat illegal immigration, human trafficking, and narcotics smuggling.

Naqvi expressed appreciation for Iran’s continued hospitality and pledged cooperation in the release of detained Iranian fishermen. Senior officials from both sides attended the discussions.