Iran envoy expects to issue 200,000 visas to Pakistani pilgrims for Arbaeen

In an interview with IRNA, Mehdi Honardoost said that steps taken by the embassy to facilitate more and more pilgrims have increased the number of Pakistani visa-seekers.

Like other countries of the world, Muslims in Pakistan belonging to Shia community are getting prepared to travel to Iraq and Iran for Arbaeen.

Shias account for 20 percent of the Muslim population in Pakistan and the country is home to the second largest Shia population after Iran.

Expressing his views, Honardoost said that embassy of Iran in Islamabad and four consulates in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta are working hard to facilitate more and more visa seekers.

He said that last year embassy had issued 150,000 visas to Pakistani pilgrims on Arbaeen, but this year the number is expected to hit 200,000.

The envoy went on to say that ending medical certificate condition for visa seeking Pakistanis is a major step taken by the embassy to facilitate pilgrims.

Following the development, Pakistanis can now apply for Iranian visa without submitting their medical certificate.

Mehdi Honardoost added that the embassy has also introduced (e-visa ) which has allowed the pilgrims to get their visa prepared in just two days.

He noted this fast visa issuing process has also cut the hands of agents who exploit the pilgrims by demanding money.

The ambassador said that during last week the embassy and its fours consulates had issued 36,000 visas.

“Out of these 36,000 visas, Peshawar consulate issued 13,500 visas, Karachi consulate 10,500 visas, Lahore consulate 5000 visas, Quetta consulate 3,500 whereas the embassy in Islamabad had issued 4000 visas,” he said.

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