Pakistan, July 14 -- Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq have agreed to create a joint working group to better manage pilgrim travel to holy sites. The announcement was made during a trilateral interior ministers' meeting held in Tehran, where all three countries discussed shared challenges in facilitating religious journeys, especially during Arbaeen and other major events.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that from January 1, 2026, Pakistani citizens will be allowed to travel to Iraq only through officially registered "Zaireen Group Organisers." He added that individual travel will only be allowed under special embassy-issued visas, ensuring greater control and safety. "The organisers will take full responsibility for pilgrims' return," he sta...