ISLAMABAD – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that starting January 2026, Pakistani pilgrims will no longer be allowed to travel to Iraq individually. Instead, they must travel as part of an officially registered organizer group.
Speaking at a trilateral conference in Tehran, the minister emphasized that organizer groups will be held responsible for the safe return of all pilgrims they take to Iraq. The move aims to control issues related to illegal stays and unregistered work by pilgrims in Iraq.
He added that only those individuals who receive a special visa directly from the Iraqi embassy will be allowed to travel alone. However, the majority of Pakistani pilgrims will need to register and travel through approved groups to prevent overstays.
Mohsin Naqvi pointed out that some individuals travel to Iraq and begin working there illegally, causing difficulties for both the host country and Pakistan’s reputation. He called for cooperation from Iran and Iraq to enforce the new rule beginning in January 2026.
The minister also expressed gratitude to both Iran and Iraq for their efforts in managing and accommodating millions of pilgrims every year. He acknowledged that their support is essential in ensuring safe and legal travel.
In his closing remarks, Naqvi praised Iran’s leadership, particularly Ayatollah Khamenei, and reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israel’s attacks on Iran. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for Iran on all international platforms.