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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that starting January 1, 2026, Pakistani pilgrims will only be allowed to travel to Iraq through registered organizing groups.
Individual travel will be restricted to those granted special embassy-issued visas. The pilgrims going to Iraq and Iran are the most important.
Speaking at a trilateral conference in Tehran, Naqvi emphasized that the new policy aims to address the issue of Pakistani nationals overstaying or working illegally in Iraq after entering on pilgrimage visas.
“From January, no Pakistani will be allowed to visit Iraq alone. All pilgrims must travel in groups registered with the government, and those groups will be responsible for ensuring their members return,” said the minister.
He explained that group travel will help prevent visa violations and illegal employment, problems that have become a growing concern for Iraqi authorities.
Naqvi highlighted the importance of cooperation with Iran and Iraq to enforce the new policy effectively. “We need the support of both countries to stop illegal stay and safeguard the pilgrimage process.” he said.
He also praised Iran and Iraq for their hospitality in managing millions of pilgrims and acknowledged the challenges they face in doing so.
Mohsin Naqvi further said that Pakistan openly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, Pakistan raised its voice in support of Iran at every forum, the way Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, led and the way he stood, we congratulate him on this great success.
