Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held an important meeting with Interior Minister of Iran Eskandar Momeni, during which several major decisions were made. Both sides agreed to keep the Pakistan-Iran border open 24/7 for pilgrims during Abraeen and Muharam ul Haram. Interior Minister of Iran said that the Iranian government will provide boarding and lodging facilities in Mashhad for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims, moreover, the Iranian government will make special arrangements from the border to Iraq for the them. Both countries agreed to establish a hotline to resolve issues concerning pilgrims swiftly. It was also decided to convene a trilateral conference of the Interior ministries of Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq in Mashhad before Arbaeen to discuss matters related to Pakistani pilgrims. Both sides also agreed to increase the number of flights to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims. discussions also revolved around sending pilgrims via sea routes to Iran and Iraq.
Furthermore , both leaders also discussed strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and mutual cooperation in various fields including curbing illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug control. Both sides agreed to enhance coordination for better border security management.
The Iranian Interior Minister emphasized that Iran and Pakistan enjoy excellent relations and that Pakistan’s security is of utmost importance to Iran. He stated that serving the pilgrims is a religious duty.
Discussions were also held regarding the release of Iranian fishermen detained after unintentionally entering Pakistani territorial waters. On the request of his Iranian counterpart, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured full cooperation in this regard. Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Iranian government for facilitating the pilgrims and said the establishment of a hotline would help resolve issues promptly.
Deputy Interior Minister of Iran Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, Deputy Minister Nader Yar Ahmadi, Advisor Hadian, Governor General of Sistan and Baluchestan Mansour Bager, and Colonel Javaheri, Head of International Affairs at the Ministry of Interior were present on the occasion from the Iranian side. Director General FIA and senior officers from Pakistan's side also attended the meeting.
