Pakistan, Iran agree to keep border open round the clock for pilgrims

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to keep their shared border open 24 hours a day to facilitate pilgrims, especially during the upcoming religious occasions of Muharram and Arbaeen.

The Pakistan-Iran border stretches over 900 kilometers, primarily between Pakistan’s Balochistan province and Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. It serves as a key transit route for thousands of Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iran and onward to Iraq for religious purposes.

The decision was taken during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni in Tehran.

As part of the agreement, both countries will ensure that the border remains operational around the clock to manage the expected surge in pilgrim traffic.

The Iranian government will also provide accommodation and meals for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad, and make special arrangements for their onward journey from the Iran-Iraq border.

To address any issues promptly and enhance coordination, both sides decided to establish a dedicated hotline.

Besides, a trilateral conference involving the interior ministries of Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq will be held in Mashhad before Arbaeen to discuss logistical matters and streamline pilgrim facilitation.

The two countries also agreed to increase the number of flights to enhance security and convenience for pilgrims. Discussions were held on exploring maritime routes to transport pilgrims to Iran and Iraq.

Beyond pilgrim-related matters, the meeting covered broader areas of bilateral cooperation, including border security, combating illegal immigration, human trafficking, and narcotics control. Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination on border management and security protocols.

“Iran and Pakistan share excellent relations. Pakistan’s security is of utmost importance to us,” said Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni. “Serving pilgrims is our religious duty,” he added.

Naqvi thanked the Iranian government for its support and assured full cooperation on all joint initiatives. He also welcomed Iran’s request regarding the release of Iranian fishermen who had unintentionally entered Pakistani waters, pledging to look into the matter.

“The hotline will help resolve issues in real-time and ensure a smoother experience for pilgrims,” Naqvi said.