TEHRAN – Pakistan, Iran and Iraq have agreed to form a joint working group to stop illegal migration under the cover of religious pilgrimages, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced during his visit to Tehran.
The decision was made during a trilateral meeting between the interior ministers of the three countries. The move aims to control unregulated travel, ensure the safety of pilgrims, and stop people from using religious visits as a route to enter other countries illegally.
Minister Naqvi said that Pakistan will end the decades-old Salar System by January 1, 2026. Instead, only registered group organisers will be allowed to manage pilgrim travel to Iran and Iraq. Individual travel will only be allowed with special embassy-issued visas.
He added that this new system will make sure that every pilgrim returns safely and no one overstays or disappears during their visit. The working group will also help improve visa coordination, border checks, and communication between the three countries.
Naqvi thanked Iran and Iraq for their hospitality during religious gatherings and said Pakistan is committed to working closely with both nations for better border control and pilgrim management.
The new system will take effect from January 2026, and officials believe it will reduce illegal movement while improving travel safety for genuine pilgrims.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.