Pakistan Interior Minister Naqvi lands in Iran ahead of Arbaeen Pilgrimage
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TEHRAN – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Iran to strengthen coordination with Iranian and Iraqi authorities ahead of spiritual journey of Arbaeen. Naqvi was welcomed in Tehran by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, the visit is major push to ensure smoother travel, stronger security, and better facilities for pilgrims heading to Karbala for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran on crucial diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening arrangements for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage, as Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq move toward coordinated planning for the movement of thousands of pilgrims across borders. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Mohsin Naqvi was warmly received at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, signaling the importance Tehran is attaching to the visit and to regional cooperation over Arbaeen security and logistics. Eskandar Momeni openly praised Pakistan’s recent stance against Israeli actions targeting Iran, calling Islamabad’s position “honest and strong”, remarks that added a major diplomatic dimension to what is officially a pilgrimage-management visit. The Iranian minister highlighted massive influx of Pakistani pilgrims who travel through Iran every year on their way to Iraq for Arbaeen commemorations, emphasizing that Tehran remains fully committed to facilitating their journey and ensuring smooth transit and support services. Arbaeen, observed 40 days after the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain R.A, is considered among largest annual religious gatherings as Millions of Shia Muslims from across the globe converge on the Iraqi city of Karbala, with many undertaking long journeys on foot to pay homage at the shrine of Imam Hussein. Naqvi said that thousands of Pakistani pilgrims are expected to participate in Arbaeen once again this year. He said Pakistan is actively coordinating with both Iran and Iraq to upgrade travel, s