Iran has announced a visa facilitation plan for Pakistani pilgrims travelling to observe Arbaeen Chehlum of Sayyid al-Shuhada (peace be upon him). According to official sources, visas will be issued from the 1st to the 16th of Safar, allowing a two-week window for travel arrangements.
As part of this policy, Iran has waived visa fees for all Pakistani pilgrims, including those applying for double-entry visas, in a gesture aimed at encouraging participation in the annual religious gathering.
Pilgrims wishing to join the Arbaeen processions must travel with officially registered caravans, each responsible for organising its own bus transport for the journey across land borders. The Iranian authorities have emphasised that travelling independently will not be permitted.
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In addition, Pakistani travellers are required to obtain an Iraqi visa first, before applying for an Iranian visa. Officials also confirmed that the travel insurance cost for the pilgrimage has been reduced by 50 percent, making the journey more affordable for a wider segment of the population.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, draws millions of visitors to Iraq and Iran each year. This latest move by Iran is seen as an effort to further strengthen cultural and religious ties between the two neighbouring countries.