Pakistani pilgrims to be banned from travelling to Iraq individually from January 2026: Interior Minister

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that Pakistani pilgrims will no longer be allowed to travel individually to Iraq, as all pilgrimages will be facilitated exclusively through approved group organisers.

Minister Naqvi announced during a joint press conference with the interior ministers of Iran and Iraq in Tehran. The high-level meeting focused on enhancing cooperation among the three countries to ensure smooth and secure pilgrimage arrangements for their citizens.

The latest directives will be effective from January 1, 2026. 

Under the new policy, individual travel to Iraq for religious purposes will only be permitted for those granted a special visa by the Iraqi embassy. In contrast, other pilgrims must travel as part of an organised group under registered organisers. 

These groups will also bear responsibility for ensuring the timely return of pilgrims.

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Naqvi said that the new system aims to curb illegal travel and prevent cases of overstaying, as group organisers will be accountable for the complete management of the pilgrimage, from departure to return.”

During the conference, the three countries agreed to establish a joint working group dedicated to streamlining travel procedures and improving facilities for pilgrims visiting Iran and Iraq.

Interior Minister also used the occasion to express solidarity with Iran following recent regional conflicts, stating, “Pakistan strongly condemned the attack on Iran and fully supported its right to self-defence,” Naqvi said, adding that the Pakistani leadership, including the Prime Minister, played an “active and positive” role during the crisis.

He congratulated Iran on what he described as a “glorious victory” in the conflict and reaffirmed the close ties between the Pakistani and Iranian people.