Pakistan and Iran have taken significant steps to ease religious pilgrimages, agreeing to keep their border open 24/7 during Muharram and Arbaeen (Islamic months which mark religious festivals), following a high-level meeting between Mohsin Naqvi of Pakistan’s Interior Ministry and Eskandar Momeni from Iran’s Interior Minister held in Tehran. Nations plus-8 The News International +8 Geo TV have all reported this agreement. This agreement seeks to facilitate pilgrims traveling from Pakistan and Iraq for religious observances, with Iran offering accommodation and meals in Mashhad for up to 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims. Dawn+3 Daily Times+3 The Express Tribune | 24 News HD +7 Geo.tv To address any potential issues quickly, both countries have agreed to establish direct lines between their respective authorities. Furthermore, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq will hold a trilateral meeting prior to Arbaeen to coordinate logistics and security arrangements for pilgrims – plans which were detailed by Nation.tv on Sunday morning. At this meeting, discussions focused on expanding flights for pilgrims and exploring sea routes that can facilitate their travel. Both parties recognized the significance of strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across a variety of fields such as illegal immigration, human trafficking and drug control. Radio Pakistanalitat +7 24 News HD + 7 Geo TV news channels provide coverage. In particular, 24 News HD provides coverage with +5 Dawn news updates every hour. Interior Minister Naqvi expressed gratitude to Iran for their warm reception of Pakistani pilgrims visiting their country, promising full cooperation in helping release Iranian fishermen who had accidentally entered Pakistani waters by responding positively to Iran’s request. Geo TV 24 News HD, in conjunction with 6 News HD at dawn (21 March 2009), hosted a joint ceremony featuring senior officials from both nations; Iran was represented by their Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, Deputy Minister Nader Yar Ahmadi and Advisor Hadian; Governor General Mansour Bager from Sistan and Baluchestan and Colonel Javaheri of Iran Ministry of Interior’s International Affairs division were in attendance; while Pakistan featured its Director General Federal Investigation Agency as well as other senior officers present; live coverage will begin on Geo TV HD/The News International April 23/24 News International on April 23/24 News HD/International Dawn-This development represents a key step toward strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran, with particular attention paid to pilgrim welfare and mutual concerns regarding border security and regional stability.
