Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen border cooperation and significantly enhance facilities for religious pilgrims ahead of the Islamic months of Muharram and Arbaeen, according to APP.
The decisions were made during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in Tehran on Wednesday. Senior officials from both countries were also present.
As part of the new understanding, the Pakistan-Iran border will remain open 24 hours a day during Muharram and Arbaeen to ensure smooth movement for pilgrims.
The Iranian government will provide accommodation and meals in Mashhad for up to 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims. A hotline will also be established between the two countries to resolve cross-border issues swiftly.
In a key development, the ministers agreed to convene a trilateral meeting involving Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq in Mashhad prior to Arbaeen. The meeting aims to improve logistical and administrative arrangements for pilgrims making the religious journey.
The two sides also discussed increasing the number of flights for pilgrims and explored the possibility of sea travel to ease transit.
Cooperation on curbing illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling was also addressed. Both ministers reaffirmed the importance of stronger coordination between border forces to enhance regional security.
Naqvi expressed gratitude to Iran for its continued support to Pakistani pilgrims and assured cooperation regarding the release of Iranian fishermen who inadvertently crossed into Pakistani waters.
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