The Pak-Iran border will stay operational 24/7 throughout Muharram. Arbaeen

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to keep the Pak-Iran border open 24 hours a day during Muharram and Arbaeen, federal authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The occurrence occurred during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni, wherein a comprehensive array of bilateral and regional matters were deliberated, particularly emphasizing the movement and welfare of pilgrims.

An official statement indicated that all parties consented to uphold continuous border operations to facilitate the seamless transit of pilgrims traveling to Iran and thereafter to Iraq during religious events.

The two nations also examined the feasibility of transporting pilgrims by maritime routes to Iran and Iraq in the imminent future.

Iranian Interior Minister Momeni assured his Pakistani counterpart that Tehran would provide food and accommodation facilities for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad. He additionally stated that specific provisions would be established for their subsequent travel from the Iran-Iraq border.

The meeting also decided on the establishment of a dedicated hotline aimed at resolving the pilgrims’ issues promptly. A trilateral conference comprising Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq would be held in Mashhad before to Arbaeen to optimize preparations for Pakistani pilgrims.

Momeni stated, “Serving pilgrims is our religious obligation,” emphasizing Iran’s significant regard for Pakistan’s security and regional collaboration.

Conversations occurred over the augmentation of aircraft to assist pilgrims, with both parties concurring to devise a prompt and effective implementation strategy. The ministers reviewed progress on proposals to enable sea travel for pilgrims, a move that may alleviate pressure on land and air routes during peak religious seasons.

Beyond pilgrimage facilitation, the two ministers discussed broader cooperation in border security, countering illegal immigration, human trafficking, and narcotics smuggling. Both nations articulated a desire to further collaboration on border management systems.

The Iranian interior minister also addressed the matter of Iranian fishermen who had unintentionally entered Pakistani waters and were apprehended. In response to the appeal, Mr. Naqvi guaranteed complete cooperation for their prompt release.

Mr Naqvi thanked the Iranian government for their consistent support and hospitality towards Pakistani pilgrims, saying the establishment of the hotline would greatly enhance coordination and timely response to emerging issues.