Islamabad:
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, in Tehran, where both countries made several important decisions to help pilgrims and improve border cooperation.
The two ministers agreed that the Pakistan-Iran border will remain open 24 hours a day during Muharram and Arbaeen to facilitate religious pilgrims. The Iranian government will also provide accommodation and meals in Mashhad for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims.
To solve problems quickly, a direct line will be established between the two countries. A special three -nations meeting that involves Pakistan, Iran and Iraq will take place in Mashhad before Arbaeen to plan better arrangements for pilgrims.
Both parties also agreed to increase the number of flights for pilgrims and discussed the sending of pilgrims by sea.
They also talked about working together to stop illegal immigration, human trafficking and drug smuggling.
It was also discussed to improve border security and cooperation between the two countries.
Mohsin Naqvi thanked the Iranian government for supporting the Pakistani pilgrims and assured full cooperation with respect to the release of Iranian fishermen who accidentally entered the Pakistani waters.
Senior officials from both countries were present at the meeting.
