Naqvi says from Jan 1, 2026, Pakistani pilgrims can travel to Iraq only via officially registered group organisers
\n ISLAMABAD
\nInterior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that starting January 1, 2026, Pakistani pilgrims will only be allowed to travel to Iraq under officially registered group organisers.
\nPakistan, Iran and Iraq have agreed to establish a joint working group to streamline travel arrangements for pilgrims, following a trilateral conference of the countries\u2019 interior ministers held in Tehran on Monday.
\nNaqvi, speaking at the meeting, thanked his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni for hosting the conference at Pakistan\u2019s request, highlighting the growing need to address issues faced by pilgrims visiting Iran and Iraq.
\n\u201cPilgrims travelling to Iraq and Iran are of great importance to us,\u201d he said. \u201cThis trilateral forum will pave the way for enhanced facilities and support.\u201d
\nHe said the registration process for \u201cZaireen Group Organisers\u201d has begun, and only individuals granted special embassy-issued visas will be permitted to travel independently.
\n\u201cThe organisers will be responsible for ensuring pilgrims\u2019 safe return,\u201d he said. \u201cThis system will help curb illegal travel and overstay issues.\u201d
\nNaqvi also praised both the Iraqi and Iranian governments for their efforts in managing large pilgrim crowds. \u201cTaking care of millions of Zaireen is a significant challenge, and both interior ministers are fulfilling this duty effectively,\u201d he said.
\nHe commended Iran\u2019s leadership during recent hostilities, saying, \u201cIran\u2019s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stood firm and led with courage. We congratulate him and the Iranian people on this victory.\u201d
\nNaqvi reiterated Pakistan\u2019s support for Iran during its recent conflict with Israel. \u201cPakistan unequivocally condemned the attack on Iran and supported its right to self-defence,\u201d he said, adding that both the Pakistani people and government stood firmly by Iran\u2019s side.
\nThe conference was also attended by Iran\u2019s Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pour-Jamshidian, senior Iranian and Iraqi officials, Pakistani Ambassador to Iran Mohammad Mudassar Tipu, and Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Naqvi says from Jan 1, 2026, Pakistani pilgrims can travel to Iraq only via officially registered group organisers ISLAMABAD Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that starting January 1, 2026, Pakistani pilgrims will only be allowed to travel to Iraq under officially registered group organisers. Pakistan, Iran and Iraq have agreed to establish a joint […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":490209,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-490201","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n